What’s the story?
Barcelona legend Xavi wants his former team to buy Paulo Dybala, Marco Veratti and bring back Dani Alves in the summer. The midfielder speaking to Globoesporte, said “Dybala, he is the most talented Juventus player. Higuaín can also score at any time, but I think his most talented footballer is Dybala currently. It would be a good option for Barca in the future”.
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“Verratti would be ideal for Barca. Of course Rakitic is doing an incredible job, very good. I think he has adapted very well to Barcelona's football. But yes, Verratti has the conditions to play in Barcelona without any doubt. And I think it is very similar to the conditions I have as a player”, he continued.
“Obviously I'd get Dani Alves back. He's decided to leave, but for me he's the best right-back there is in the world, and Barca really miss him”, he concluded.
In case you didn’t know..
Paulo Dybala and Marco Veratti both have been heavily linked with Barcelona since the January transfer window. The Argentine number 10 for Juventus showed exactly what he is all about in the first leg against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, and is the perfect long term replacement for another number 10.
Marco Veratti has been tearing it apart in the Ligue 1 now for 3 seasons, the Italian international is the perfect player for Barcelona, good on the ball, extremely intelligent and with a winning mentality. He might just be the player Barcelona need and have been missing since Xavi’s departure.
Dani Alves is a curious one, and it doesn’t look like he will be back at the Camp Nou given his strained relationship with the management and his comments against them since his departure to Italy. However, it is clear, that he still has a lot to offer, and Barcelona are far from replacing his personality and talents.
The heart of the matter
The performances (this season) of all the three players mentioned above by Xavi merits a move to a club like Barcelona. Dybala despite playing in a withdrawn role for Juventus has scored 16 goals this season and has been the reason for Juventus’ position in the Serie A table.
Marco Veratti was integral to PSG’s first leg win against Barcelona and was probably unfortunate to end up on the losing side eventually. The Italian has almost everything a midfielder needs, from poise, balance to long range passing and it is only a matter of time for him to move to a bigger league.
What’s Next?
The managerial situation at Barcelona makes things complicated for signing players in the summer, but rest assured Barcelona will have their eye on the duo of Veratti and Dybala. The last boat for Alves to Barcelona, unfortunately, has sailed.
Author’s Take
Xavi was at Barcelona for the best part of 18 years and knows exactly what the Blaugrana inside out. So when he recommends players, it’s time to loosen the purse strings.
