Two ways Barcelona can integrate Saul in their starting lineup

Apart from reinforcing their team with new signings and getting rid of ‘deadwood’, Barcelona’s biggest priority this offseason was renewing Lionel Messi. Heads started to turn as soon as he became a free agent in July, but Barça could not move as quickly as they would have wanted, given a wage debt exceeding €200 million.

The club had to two ways to sorting this mess — go on a massive selling spree, getting rid of club legends along with some important squad players, or offload the second-highest earner in the squad – Antoine Griezmann.

Given the nature of several rumours that have transpired over the last few days, it looks like Barcelona are going ahead with the latter. The deal in question, though, will see Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid move to Barcelona for Griezmann in a swap deal.

On the pitch, this deal has more consequences than benefits, and could turn out to be a multi-layered mistake for Barça. However, it allows them to get rid of a large sum of wages while holding the privilege to register Messi along with the new signings – Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay, Emerson Royal, and Eric Garcia.

But how does Saul fit at Barcelona? Well, he is best as a central midfielder, playing off the left side. With loads of stamina, the Spaniard operates well in a box-to-box capacity, with awe-inspiring agility.

The problem, however, lies in the fact that the Blaugranas boast of one spectacular midfield in the form of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Sergio Busquets. In theory, Saul could replace his compatriot Pedri, who has been overplayed to the point of exhaustion for club and country.

It’s a far fetched idea to believe Saul, in his current form, could bench Pedri. But he could prove to be a more than able deputy in a very similar role, adding defensive depth and a top-notch ability to win aerial duels and second balls.

Saul adds an extra dimension to Barcelona’s midfield with his goal-scoring instinct and strong shooting ability from range, which was on display against Barça in the 2016/17 season. Moreover, the 26-year-old can help cover the wing when Memphis Depay drifts in from the left.

Despite a lack of a grand run of form, Saul is a more than able presence off the bench. Often, it’ll be just that if Pedri can continue performing at such a high level. That said, though, it’s not entirely out of question to accommodate both of them in the team.

Using a 4-3-1-2 or a 4-4-2 diamond, both Spaniards can find their feet, in theory. There is an evident lack of depth with this structure, though, which can be solved by integrating Saul on the left.

Given his experience as a winger, he has the pace and lungs to occupy a large area on the left flank, drifting wide to cover for the lack of a winger and drift to shield the team from counter-attacks when Jordi Alba moves up the flank.

Moreover, with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri in the midfield, Barcelona won’t have to worry too much about the lack of pressing from the forwards, especially Messi. Off the break, Pedri could drop into the centre to maintain a bank of four with three hard-working midfielders and the greatest defensive midfielder ever.

Saul is an extremely gifted and versatile footballer going through a rough patch right now. These are just two ways he can slide into the Barça XI, but the options could go way beyond this with the right tactics.