Barcelona key defender could be a ‘wildcard’ option for the pivot position – report

Even as Barcelona search for a top-quality replacement for Sergio Busquets to occupy the pivot midfield position next season, they also need to find reliable backup options for the role.

Busquets had been an ever-present figure in the team when fit and available and his departure is bound to have a huge impact. And whoever is brought in to replace him would need time to adapt and as such, having alternatives in the position becomes key.

Last season, Xavi tried Frenkie de Jong, Franck Kessie, Eric Garcia, and Sergi Roberto in the defensive midfield position to varying degrees of success.

However, Kessie and Garcia are staring at uncertain futures at the club while the manager has made it clear that de Jong is best suited to playing an advanced role. Given the scarcity of options at right-back, Roberto’s services would be needed there.

New signing Ilkay Gundogan would also be an option for the pivot position.

But, according to SPORT’s Jordi Carne, Barcelona could look at defensive mainstay Andreas Christensen as a ‘wildcard’ option for the defensive midfield role next season.

The Danish international joined Barça as a free agent last summer and emerged as one of the team’s best performers, forming a key part of the tight-knit defensive unit.

However, Xavi has previously hinted that he believes Christensen would be a good fit for the pivot role, having said:

“He is one of the best signings this season and in recent years. He is an extraordinary defender. And the way we play, the way he filters balls, distributes, and understands the free man, he could be a midfielder playing deep.”

Christensen has not played much as a defensive midfielder but is not entirely stranger to the position either. He has slotted in as a No. 6 for Denmark’s U-21 side in the past as well as Chelsea’s youth sides in the UEFA Youth League.

In his senior career, the 27-year-old has played six games as a pivot, three during his time on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, once for Chelsea, and two times for Denmark during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

As iterated earlier, Christensen is not used to playing there regularly, but has knowledge of the position and Xavi believes that he also has the skillset to perform there. As such, he could be a ‘wildcard’ option to provide cover in the pivot position next season.