In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo stated that Barcelona have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund right-back Thomas Meunier. It has been mentioned that the Catalan giants are hoping to bring the Belgian defender on board this winter.
Meunier’s Impressive Form In German Football This Season
Meunier has experienced a solid campaign with Dortmund after managing to put in some decent displays for the German club in the final third. The 31-year-old has not scored a goal but has picked up one assist in 14 matches for his current employers this season across various competitions.
The 59-time Belgian international has impressed a lot with his performances at Signal Iduna Park as he is averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.8 clearances and 0.8 key passes per 90 minutes in Bundesliga. However, he has been a bit sloppy when distributing the ball from the right flank after making 73.2% of his attempted passes in the German first division (stats via whoscored).
Meunier’s current contract with Dortmund is set to expire in the summer of 2024 which makes him an attainable target for Barca to consider next year.
Is Meunier A Good Choice For Barcelona Head Coach Xavi?
Meunier is a solid tackler of the ball and can sense the danger quickly to earn the ball back for his side on the defensive end of the field. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and can create some decent chances for his teammates to find the back of the net. The Belgian talent is primarily a right-back but can also function as a right-sided wide player if his manager asks him to do so. However, as mentioned earlier, he has to be more accurate with his passing from the right flank.
Recruiting someone of Meunier’s skillset would be a welcome addition to Barcelona‘s squad next year as he has what it takes to secure a regular starting spot at the Nou Camp. Thus, the Catalan outfit would be wise to launch a move to secure the services of the Belgian sensation this January or at the end of this season.
At 31, Meunier might still have a few good years left in him and could be a decent, quick-time fix to Xavi‘s right-back problems this season. He will no doubt enhance the quality of Barca’s first XI and could even help the Catalan club challenge for some top honours in the coming seasons.
