After two consecutive defeats, the latest against Sevilla being particularly concerning, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is under pressure to make changes. One of the issues that has hurt Barcelona most...
After two consecutive defeats, the latest against Sevilla being particularly concerning, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is under pressure to make changes.
One of the issues that has hurt Barcelona most this season is the lack of an established centre-back pairing.
With Inigo Martinez leaving in the summer, Flick has failed to nail down the best defensive partner for Pau Cubarsi. That role has rotated between Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, and, to a lesser extent, Andreas Christensen.
The Danish centre-back, who struggled with fitness issues throughout the summer, did not start the season at the same pace as his defensive teammates.
Christensen pushing for a start
However, Christensen is now steadily knocking on the Barcelona coach’s door for a starting berth, reports SPORT.
The 29-year-old defender has recently produced solid performances for Barcelona, notably in the matches against Real Sociedad and Getafe.
Nevertheless, in the more decisive fixtures, he has not yet started, remaining on the bench behind Garcia and Araujo — the latter having struggled in the game against Sevilla.
Pushing for a start. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The doubts surrounding the Uruguayan open the door for Christensen, who is waiting for a renewal offer from Barça, to earn a starting place in the upcoming match against Girona and potentially in El Clasico on 26 October.
A leader for Denmark
Unlike at Barcelona, Christensen is irreplaceable for Denmark, where he has started all three of the team’s World Cup qualifying matches.
In last night’s game against Belarus, the defender produced one of his best performances in the past two years.
He was impeccable in defence – not beaten once, making two interceptions and six successful tackles. He also registered an assist following an impressive attacking move and completed an immaculate 96% of his passes.
Persistent physical problems have prevented Christensen from playing regularly since Flick took charge at Barcelona. Under the German coach, the Danish centre-back has appeared in only 14 matches, starting just five.
Now fully fit and performing at a high level with his national team, combined with Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities shown vs Sevilla, Christensen is making a strong case to return to the starting line-up alongside Cubarsi in central defence.
Category: General Sports
