In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo has claimed that Barcelona are looking to extend Clement Lenglet’s contract despite his current deal at the Nou Camp set to run until 2023. It is believed that the Catalans are willing to reward their talented centre-back with a pay-rise as they reckon that he deserves it for becoming such an indispensable member of their squad (via Mundo Deportivo).
Lenglet’s Impressive Rise To Prominence In Spanish Football
The 25-year-old has made a mixed start to this campaign after appearing in three matches for Barca, picking up one red card and two clean sheets in the process. On a personal front, the Frenchman enjoyed a solid season at Catalonia last term when he registered four goals and one assist in 40 appearances across all fronts.
Lenglet gave a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field as he averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.6 clearances in the 2019-20 La Liga campaign. He even distributed the ball out from the back with conviction and accuracy as evident from his pass success rate of 92.3% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
The nine-time France international deserves a significant pay rise for his remarkable consistency at the heart of the Barca defence over the past 18 months. Getting his long-term future sorted could help the player concentrate on getting better and helping Ronald Koeman’s side compete for some major trophies in the coming seasons.
What Does The French Defensive Ace Bring To The Table?
Lenglet has successfully established himself as one of the premier centre-backs in the Spanish top-flight. Standing at 1.86m, he can be a towering presence at the back and can use his strength to command his penalty box with authority.
The French defender has made a habit of making some important interceptions by reading the danger quickly for his side. He can also pull off a few crucial last-gasp clearances when his teammates are in trouble on the defensive third of the field.
Why Barca Need To Get Hold Of Lenglet For The Long-Run
Lenglet can play the ball out from the back with confidence which makes him such an important member of the Barca backline. Plus, he has gradually become one of the first names in Koeman’s teamsheet which highlights his growing influence at the Nou Camp.
At the moment, Lenglet is truly an indispensable member of the Barca squad, so Koeman would be wise to retain his services for the long-run. At 25, the Beauvais-born talent has plenty of years left in him to perform at a high level which Barca should try to capitalise on by tying him down to a new lucrative contract.
