Xavi has complete confidence in Barcelona veteran despite recent slump in form

Despite making a bright start to life at Barcelona, the steam has come off Oriol Romeu’s wheels in recent games.

The Spaniard arrived at Barcelona in the summer as the direct replacement for Sergio Busquets. In his initial games at the club, he displayed tremendous ability on the ball, spatial awareness and defensive acumen to win Xavi Hernandez’s trust.

However, he seems to have hit the inevitable lean patch. Against FC Porto, Romeu was under pressure for most of the game as the weak link in Barcelona’s buildup and found himself to be the prime target of the hosts’ press.

Xavi trusts in Romeu

According to Mundo Deportivo, Romeu’s recent decline in form does not bother Xavi Hernandez. The Barcelona manager has identified alternatives but remains convinced of Romeu’s abilities.

The 32-year-old is one of the fundamental pillars of Barcelona’s midfield and has started eight of the team’s ten matches so far. Above all, Xavi values Romeu’s understanding of his tactical system and his ability to hold the fort in midfield.

The same report goes on to cite Frenkie de Jong’s recent injury to be the reason behind the pivot’s loss of form. After all, the Dutch maestro’s presence on the field provided the Spaniard more freedom and comfort in link-up play.

Xavi’s unexpected alternative

As relayed earlier today, the Barcelona manager has identified Andreas Christensen to be an option to serve as a backup pivot if Romeu is to be sidelined or needs a break at any point. Ilkay Gundogan and Gavi, however, are preferred.

The Danish international is no stranger to the role, having played in the position for both Chelsea and the Danish U21 teams before.

With the option of signing a new midfielder ruled out from an FFP standpoint, Christensen could well play as a defensive midfielder in the coming weeks.

For now, though, Romeu continues to enjoy the total faith of the manager.