In a recent report, El Gol Digital mentioned that Barcelona are eyeing a move for Red Bull Leipzig wide player Angelino this summer. It is understood that the Spanish talent is one of the names in Barca boss Ronald Koeman’s wishlist but his transfer could hinge on whether Leipzig can sign Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza in this off-season (via El Gol Digital).
Angelino’s Impressive Form At Leipzig Last Season
Angelino had a brilliant season at the Red Bull Arena recently as he put in several influential displays on the left side of Leipzig’s midfield. He was often unleashed as a left-winger but can also fill in as a left-back when needed. The former Premier League player found the back of the net on eight occasions and grabbed 11 assists in 37 matches for the German outfit in the previous campaign across multiple competitions.
The 24-year-old was a consistent performer at both ends of the pitch after he averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 1.4 shots, 2.1 key passes, 1.9 crosses and 0.5 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League. However, he was a bit untidy when distributing possession from the left wing based on his pass success rate of 74% in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Angelino has taken great strides towards improving himself over the past 12 months, so Barca will do well to acquire his services before the start of the new campaign. He is an exceptional talent who would add some serious competition for Jordi Alba at the Nou Camp.
Is Angelino The Right Choice For The Catalans?
Angelino has a good football IQ and can make some energetic dashes down the left flank. He has got the hunger to stretch the opposition defence by getting to the byline and delivering a few dangerous crosses into the opponent’s penalty box.
The Spanish sensation added plenty of goals and assists to his game last season which makes him such a great option for the Catalans to pursue during this summer transfer window. There is no doubt that Angelino will enhance the quality of Koeman’s match-day squad and could prove to be an ideal long-term successor to Jordi Alba, who is in the last legs of his Barca career.
The ex-Manchester City player has got an excellent work rate both on and off the ball and can strike the ball with venom from long range. Hence, he will be a good choice for Koeman to consider ahead of the new campaign as he has what it takes to be a success story at the Nou Camp.
Recruiting Angelino could even help Barca challenge for the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy in the coming seasons as he will improve the overall quality of Koeman’s first team significantly this summer.
