Spanish giants, Barcelona are getting more and more desperate to search for top-class quality from various clubs in Europe for a move this summer. They are linked with some of the biggest names in Europe but have also been looking at fringe players from a few clubs that have enough potential to play at the Camp Nou.
Out of a few such players recently linked with a move to Barcelona, Newcastle man Florian Thauvin is one whose name is now doing the rounds. The midfielder failed to have any kind of an impact at the St James Park in his time in England and was loaned back to Marseille after just a year. So who is Thauvin and why is he wanted at Barcelona?
Born and brought up in Orleans, France, Thauvin has already played for ten different clubs but has been most productive in his time at the Stade Velodrome where he has made more than 100 appearances in two spells.
He has been in superb form of late for the French side, scoring 10 goals and picking up five assists in 35 games in all competitions this season. He was unable to produce this form in his time at Newcastle United but his performances for Marseille may warrant him a place at the Camp Nou.
Known for his dribbling and finishing abilities, Thauvin is a slightly attack-minded midfielder who is capable of playing in a central role but is at his best on the right side of a three-man midfield. He is a player who loves to have the ball at his feet as he can take on his man with ease.
He is not strong in the air and is reluctant to lift the ball off the ground but his passing and vision even over long distances, when needed, is exemplary. He is a decent crosser of the ball but is in constant search of short passes to run rings around the defenders.
Barcelona are currently using the likes of Dennis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, and Rafinha exclusively in this role while Arda Turan is sometimes asked to deputise. None of these names has been able to show consistency this season and the club officials are concerned that they might fail to help them next season as well.
With star midfielder Andres Iniesta also at the twilight of his career, Barca surely need some additions this summer. And though there are a number of star players who will be ready to move, Thauvin is one who fits in well in Catalonia.
Though he is not a player who will put in the hard yards defensively, Thauvin is a player who fits into Barcelona’s style pretty well. The Catalan giants need players with a particular skill set which is hard to find and the 24-year old is one player who will have no trouble adjusting to the needs at the Camp Nou. But do you think the French star is the right man for Barcelona?
