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Liverpool and Juventus set to lose out to Barcelona for German star

By Benjamin Barkworth

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Leon Goretzka of Germany lifts the FIFA Confederations Cup trophy after the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Final between Chile and Germany at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 2, 2017 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Leon Goretzka of Germany lifts the FIFA Confederations Cup trophy after the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Final between Chile and Germany at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 2, 2017 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona are favourites to sign Leon Goretzka with Bayern Munich being the main alternative.

According to reports, Goretzka’s entourage have stated that he is only interested in the two clubs mentioned above. This is understandable seen as Barcelona are one of the biggest clubs in the world while Bayern are the best team in Germany. Although, the Bavarians are rebuilding their reputation after a disappointing start to the season under Carlo Ancelotti which has weakened their status in Europe.

Goretzka would have improved both Juventus and Liverpool due to his goal threat from midfield as well as his ability to hold up play and counter-press. However, neither team has serious midfield issues with Liverpool benefiting from Naby Keita joining them in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Bayern’s ability to convince the talent in Germany to join them means that potential move makes sense in that regard. Although, they do have a surplus of talented midfielders currently. His links with Barcelona and seeming willingness to join them is intriguing. This also has the added layer of him being a free agent in the summer, so he would be a huge bargain.

Would he suit Barcelona?

The main question is whether he would fit in at Barça in regards to the technical demands. They require midfielders who are adept at retaining possession through precise passing and smart positioning. A lot of the team’s style is developed through intensive passing drills. It can be hard for a player to adapt to this style especially if they’re young.

Although, it has to be noted that Paulinho isn’t a midfielder in the traditional Barcelona mould. Criticism of Paulinho has focused on this prior to and during his time at the club. The Brazilian has proved his critics wrong so far, though, with some impressive performances.

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Goretzka is similar in style to Paulinho in that he provides an attacking threat with his late runs into the box. These runs are ideal for being on the end of cutbacks from the byline. This is shown by his impressive start to the season with four goals in nine league games. He was able to do this with the national team as well with two goals in the Confederations Cup and three goals in five World Cup qualifiers.

He could definitely provide a direct goal threat in the final third as well as contributing substantially defensively. The Catalans would still need a long-term replacement for Andrés Iniesta, though.

Goretzka wouldn’t be able to provide his blend of creativity, agility and ball control. The German midfielder thrives at driving at opposition so he can use his pace and athleticism. This means he would be more of a replacement for Ivan Rakitić and a direct alternative to Sergi Roberto.

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Goretzka isn’t a traditional Barcelona midfielder. However, he would provide a direct dribbling threat which would help play through high pressing and deep blocks. This means he has the potential to work well within Barcelona’s system under Ernesto Valverde.

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