In a recent tweet, journalist Carlos Bosch stated that Barcelona starlet Nico Gonzalez is on the radar of Valencia this summer. It is understood that Gennaro Gattuso’s side have reignited their interest in recruiting the Spanish midfielder from the Catalan outfit during this summer transfer period.
Nico González es ahora mismo la opción que maneja el Valencia CF. Lo estamos contando en directo: https://t.co/MdShUeXOCU
— CARLOS BOSCH (@Carlos_bosch) August 8, 2022
Gonzalez’s Impressive Rise In Spanish Football
The 20-year-old came through the youth ranks of Barcelona and did well to earn some appearances for Barca’s senior team last year. Gonzalez has participated in 36 senior matches for the Catalan giants so far, scoring two times and grabbing two assists in the process across multiple competitions.
The promising teenager saw most of his playing opportunities come off the bench but performed well to average 1.1 tackles, 0.6 shots, 0.5 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He was even accurate when interchanging possession with his teammates after making 90% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
Gonzalez has still got two years remaining in his Barca contract. Thus, Xavi is under no pressure to cash in on him this summer.
Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Let Nico Gonzalez Leave This Summer?
Gonzalez can get stuck in with some solid tackles to make life tough for the opposition at the centre of the park. He can strike the ball well from long range and can create a few decent chances for his teammates in the attacking end of the field.
The Spanish prospect can even make some intelligent runs with the ball from midfield. He hardly gives away the ball cheaply when passing it in the opponent’s half. Gonzalez is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can even serve as a right-sided wide player if his manager asks him to do so.
At 20, the Spanish midfield ace has got the potential to become a future star in Spanish football as long as he continues to take strides toward improving himself with each year. However, at the moment, he is not guaranteed regular playing opportunities at the Nou Camp which could hamper the youngster’s development in the long run.
Following the arrival of Franck Kessie from AC Milan earlier this summer, it is unlikely that Barcelona boss Xavi will rely too much on Gonzalez’s services in the upcoming La Liga campaign. Therefore, the Catalan club can afford to let the Spaniard leave as long as they can get a fair fee for him before the end of this summer transfer window.
