Ligue 1 Full-Back Flattered By Interest From Barcelona: Should Xavi Move In For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent interview (via AS), Monaco full-back Vanderson was flattered by interest from Barcelona earlier this summer. The Brazilian defender said,

“It’s great to hear Barcelona and United ‘love’ you.

“It’s fantastic to know your name is being mentioned by the big clubs. We’re starting the season well with Monaco, now I’m focused only in that.”

Vanderson’s Impressive Run Of Form In French Football

Vanderson has made a solid start to this campaign after putting in a couple of impressive displays on the right side of Monaco’s defence. The 22-year-old has scored one goal and picked up one assist in four matches for the French outfit this season in all competitions.

The Brazilian sensation has been a reliable performer on the right flank based on his average of 1.5 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 1.8 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in Ligue 1. However, he lacks quality when distributing the ball from the wide areas, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 74% in the top tier of French football (stats via whoscored).

Monaco’s Brazilian defender Vanderson (L) fights for the ball with Strasbourg’s defender Frederic Guilbert (R) during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on April 2, 2023. – es a goal (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Move In For Vanderson?

Vanderson can get stuck in with a few solid tackles to make life difficult for the opposition attackers. He can make some interceptions for his team inside his half and usually clears the danger when the opposition are on the front foot.

The Brazilian talent is a decent dribbler with the ball and can engineer a handful of inviting chances for his teammates up top. He can even strike the ball with power from long range but needs to find a way to improve his passing accuracy from the right flank.

At 22, Vanderson has got a bright future ahead of him and could be a great, long-term acquisition for Barcelona to pull off in 2024. He will enhance the quality of Barca boss Xavi’s squad.

Vanderson has what it takes to challenge for a regular starting spot at the Nou Camp next season. Therefore, Xavi would be wise to move in for him when the transfer window reopens this January or at the end of this campaign.