Barcelona summer signing could displace 27-year-old ace from Xavi’s starting lineup

It did not take a long time for Andreas Christensen to establish himself as a regular starter at FC Barcelona following his arrival in 2022.

The Danish international was a permanent fixture in the defensive lineup last season when fit and available and forged a formidable partnership with Ronald Araujo, playing an important role in Barça’s La Liga triumph.

However, this season has not been at the same level for Christensen even though he continues to be a regular fixture in the starting XI for Xavi.

Christensen has started ten of Barcelona’s 11 league matches this term, but completed the full 90 minutes only in four.

The 27-year-old has largely featured as the left-sided center-back and has demonstrated good distribution and positioning.

Inigo Martinez could replace Christensen

But, SPORT’s Jordi Gil is reporting that Barcelona summer arrival Inigo Martinez could soon displace Andreas Christensen from the starting lineup.

Martinez had a slow start to the season as he was still recovering from the fascia injury he had sustained with Athletic Club last campaign.

But in recent games, the veteran Spaniard is starting to grow in stature, oozing confidence with his performances on the field.

Indeed, Martinez has started each of Barça’s last three games against Athletic Club, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Real Madrid, and put in solid displays one after the other.

Martinez’s was an express request from Xavi, who wanted to have a left-footed centre-back in the squad, and the veteran’s good anticipation and forceful style allows the team to play much higher up the pitch.

The report suggests that the ex-Athletic Club star could partner Ronald Araujo against his former side, Real Sociedad, this weekend and that Christensen’s starting berth could very well be under threat with growing competition.