Replacing a player of the stature of Carles Puyol was never likely to be an easy feat, particularly considering that he was a symbol and icon of Barcelona both on and off the pitch.
Despite suffering from injuries in the latter stages of his career, the talismanic captain’s retirement creates a significant absence in the Barcelona dressing room. Luis Enrique will be fully aware that it is an area that the Catalans must address if they are to have a solid defensive base to rely upon.
Although Jeremy Mathieu arrived this summer, speculation suggests that Barcelona’s work in the transfer market has not yet concluded. However, with such sweeping changes being made under their new Coach coupled with various comings and goings, there is a risk that this team may first need time to settle.
Yet despite the maelstrom around him, 23-year-old Marc Bartra is arguably the closest thing to a reliable defensive proposition that Enrique has at his disposal ahead of his first season in charge.
Enrique has revealed that his preference is to use Javier Mascherano in his more natural defensive midfield role, thus whittling down his options in central defence further, with Gerard Pique recently admitting to the faults in his own game.
Pique’s inconsistency and injury woes have made him a liability in recent times, while there is also an argument to suggest that Puyol was able to cover up his deficiencies during their majestic spell together at the heart of the defence.
While it is expected that the situation will be addressed again this summer given that there is still ample time before the transfer deadline, Bartra represents the future of the Barcelona defence and it is a case of adding a dependable partner alongside him.
Perhaps one of the biggest criticisms he received last year was his lack of experience, but with increased playing time that will likely be a non-factor in the coming years. His all-round game continues to develop, and as he matures as a player he will undoubtedly improve in terms of concentration, awareness and positioning.
His ability on the ball also compliments the ideology of the club well, and as a result he has all the characteristics to become a stalwart of this side for years to come.
Given that Enrique has previously worked with the young defender during his spell with Barcelona B, it isn’t a matter of whether or not he has faith in Bartra. The question is whether or not Bartra can repay his trust with consistently solid performances in the new season.
