Barcelona are lining up a bid for Real Sociedad right-back Alvaro Odriozola. The 22-year-old Spaniard has been impressive for the La Liga outfit so far this season and is attracting interest from a number of clubs including Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid and Manchester United.
It is believed he has been valued at around £18 million after Real Madrid sounded out their interest for him during the winter transfer window last month. The Spanish full-back is now expected to undergo a bidding war between three big clubs at least and this might significantly increase his evaluation if Real Sociedad plays their cards right. However, with the big clubs circling around like sharks, one thing that is for sure is that the player is unlikely to stay at Sociedad beyond this season.
The player has all the qualities of a modern-day full-back with raw speed and good attacking talent. He has the turn of pace to keep up with his winger and can go on the overlap whenever needed. He has the energy and stamina to run up and down the right channel throughout the match and is technically strong enough to play in crosses and minuses for his team from the right wing.
However, the young Spaniard is still inexperienced in terms of defending his defensive third and that is perhaps his only weakness. He lacks the know-how of a good tactical positioning and is often caught in no man’s land when the opposition full back piles up with his winger down his channel.
It is understood that Barcelona wants to take him to Nou Camp come this summer. They would have to fight off the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, however. United are on the verge of parting ways with Matteo Darmian and their first-choice full-back Antonio Valencia turns 33 this August. This would mean that a new right-back is the order of the day for them.
As for Real Madrid, they have Dani Carvajal as a top quality first choice fullback but his backup Hakimi has been unable to fill in the big shoes so far. This would mean that Odriozola could be a valid option.
Coming to the club in question here, Barcelona, the Catalan giants recently tied down Sergi Roberto to a mammoth deal at the club. Moreover, they brought in Nelson Semedo last summer to add weight down their right flank. Both fullbacks are young and full of energy. They have shown enough potential to play for Barcelona day in day out meaning that another addition in the form of Odriozola would be futile for the Blaugrana.
