A Fan’s Perspective: Barcelona’s right-wing is in flux

An opinion on Aleix Vidal, Ousmane Dembele and the departure of Gerard Deulofeu

Ever since Ernesto Valverde took charge of Barcelona, his fluid 4-4-2 has helped several fringe players find minutes on the pitch.

The right-wing, in particular, is a position yet to be filled by a permanent name. The likes of Denis Suarez, Andre Gomes, Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Deulofeu, Aleix Vidal and Ousmane Dembele have all tried their luck in the role with varying degrees of success. Few have done better than the rest.

While Roberto, Vidal and Dembele are probably the best choices to fill the spot, new arrival Dembele is primed to take over permanently. Despite all his flair, Dembele is yet to find his footing in the team.

Few would argue against the fact that Sergi Roberto is best suited to the heart of midfield and till a spot is vacant, he is likely to hold the right side of the defence.

Gerard Deulofeu was an option during the first half of the season but had disappeared into obscurity with every passing month. His departure will not be noticed in the slightest.

Vidal on the other hand, is a player who is performing beyond expectations in his new role. Yes, he was marketed as the solution to Barcelona’s right-back problem which was a disaster. However, he is an exceptional winger with pace and ingenuity to beat his man.

While Barcelona adjusts to Ousmane and he reciprocates in kind, Vidal can be the stop-gap we so desperately need.

If his recent performances are anything to go by, Aleix VIdal has finally found his niche in the squad and it could secure his future with the Blaugrana.

Source: barcablaugranes.com