Earlier this year when things were not going their way, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez decided to experiment with a new role for a certain Andreas Christensen.
Oriol Romeu had not been performing well, and Ilkay Gundogan’s effectiveness was getting hampered by playing in a deeper role. As such, Xavi decided to put Christensen in the defensive midfield position and the move has worked a treat.
The 27-year-old has proven to be an effective solution in the pivot midfield position, providing defensive reassurance as well as allowing the likes of Gundogan to flourish higher up the pitch.
So much so that, reports suggested that Barcelona might look to make this transition a long-term one if they are unable to sign a new pivot midfielder in the summer.
Barcelona do not see Christensen’s move as a long-term one
However, as per Mundo Deportivo, that is far from the truth. While Barcelona are happy with what Christensen has been contributing in the defensive midfield role, they do not see this as a long-term assignment for him.
Christensen’s versatility has provided a solution to the Blaugrana at a time when it seemed difficult to find one. The player’s performances have taken a step forward in the No. 6 role as well.
But, despite that, there is no question of him continuing in this position in the long term, with the idea being that he will return to his natural role as centre-back next season.
New pivot being targeted
As has been reported widely, Barcelona are targeting the signing of a top pivot midfielder in the summer.
Several names have been linked, ranging from Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich to Arsenal veteran Jorginho, among others.
More recently, Real Sociedad Mikel Merino has also emerged as a possible target for the reigning La Liga champions.
It remains to be seen who Barcelona sign, depending on their finances, but Christensen’s role in the long run will be at centre-back.
