Barcelona Eyeing A Move For This Monaco Defender: What Will He Add To Xavi’s Side? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Sport claimed that Barcelona are eyeing a move for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile this summer. It has been stated that the Catalan giants are weighing up an offer to acquire the services of the French centre-half during this summer transfer window.

Badiashile’s Impressive Form In French Football Last Season

Badiashile put in a handful of solid performances at the heart of Monaco’s backline last season and has already established himself as one of the best young defenders in French football. The 21-year-old participated in 34 matches for the French club in the previous campaign, registering one goal and one assist on all fronts.

The French youngster was a dominant presence for Monaco on the defensive third of the pitch based on his average of 1.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game in Ligue 1. He was even accurate when distributing the ball from the back, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 87.9% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 10: Xavi Hernandez, Head Coach of FC Barcelona gives their team instructions during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at Camp Nou on May 10, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images). The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/) Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)

What Will Badiashile Add To Barcelona Head Coach Xavi?

Badiashile can time his tackles well to earn the ball back inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive.

The French defensive ace is a dominant presence at the back as he can use his strong 1.94m frame to win a lot of headers in the air. He is even proficient at passing his way out from the defence which makes him a good fit for Barca boss Xavi‘s style of play at the Nou Camp.

At 21, Badiashile has got the potential to become a real star in La Liga if the Catalan giants can find a way to secure his signature during this summer transfer window.

We can expect Badiashile to add more bite and steel to Xavi’s defensive department. He could even serve as an ideal, long-term successor to Gerard Pique at Barcelona. Therefore, Barca would be wise to try everything in their power to bring the Monaco whizkid to Spain before the end of this summer transfer window.