Why Dani Alves reunion is more of a positive move by new Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez
A lot has happened in the past few days with Xavi as the manager of Barcelona and the imminent return of a former player, Dani Alves has lifted spirits around the club and rightly so. Here is why fans should be excited of the return of the most decorated player in the game.
Dani Alves, 38, has agreed a six months contract to return to the club in a transfer that could see the agreement extended at the end of the summer, given the outcome of his soon to begin spell.
The Brazilian, who left the club in 2016 after eight successful years, since joining from Sevilla in 2008 is expected to be re-presented as their player on Wednesday. He had joined Juventus, PSG and more recently Sao Paulo in his native of Brazil before making the return to the club as a free agent.
Dani Alves played over 380 games for the club, winning 23 trophies and his return will add much experience to the club's leaking backline. Even though talented, there have been question marks over the consistency and commitment of Sergino Dest.
The American was such a promising prospect and Barcelona had to fend off interest from Bayern Munich in order to land him from Ajax. He has however not lived up to expectations as was evidence in Ronald Koeman's last games in charge, the 21 year old spurned a lot of opportunities that in the end costed the Dutchman his job.
The arrival of Alves helps him as well as the likes of Oscar Mingueza, Alex Balde, Ronald Araujo and other young defenders settle down and understand the Barcelona play. Along with Jordi Alba, Dani Alves will help Xavi teach the culture to these future stars, making the manager’s work easier on the long run.
An offensive wingback, a quality that makes his thrive in the Barcelona Tiki-Taka system, Dani Alves is regarded as one of the all-time best in his position. With his accuracy and technicality, he is able to play well as a side Midfielder, giving Xavi a lot of dimensions to approach games.
His energy and work-rate are also some of the strength to his game. Moreso, he is also able to create goalscoring chances, a prowess that saw him register over one hundred assists in his first spell with the club. Players like Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay will reap dividends from his good deliveries in to the box.
His abilities from set-piece situations is also another plus for Xavi. Lionel Messi was the club's regular free-kick taker and they have not been able to find a suitable successor for that role. Coutinho is another player who could do well with set pace but the Brazilian has slip in the pecking order at the club, and he will probably be out of the pitch most times. Unless he could rejuvenate his career under Xavi.
The understanding with Sergio Busquests, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique will also be an asset for Xavi. Since having a steady team is also as important as the building on the long run, the chemistry among these players can translate into good results for Barcelona, as they try to get their season back on track.
Being a certified winner, Dani Alves brings that winning flair to a squad of players much of the young ones. His presence around the club is a plus, being a player present at the best moments in the club's history, it makes Xavi’s job a little easier and can be a perfect role model for upcoming players.
Alves might not be as young as he used to be but his return will but more of a positive considering the current status of the club.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
Comments
Post a Comment