The reigning La Liga champions have had quite an active transfer market this summer. Making sure deadweight players are shipped elsewhere while also upgrading their bench with respectable talent. A special emphasis was put in the midfield area this summer after struggling with depth in that area the last few seasons. Iniesta and Paulinho’s departures left the club noticeably short handed in the midfield. They quickly bought Brazilian midfielder Arthur and promoted Barca B standout Carlos Alena to the first team but in my opinion, it was Arturo Vidal whose arrival that has helped Barcelona go from a respectable midfield to a dangerously competitive one.
What Does He Bring To The Table?
Arturo Vidal is what is considered a box to box midfielder meaning he has the ability to join in on the attack when he sees an opportunity while still having the stamina required to drop back and help defend. He has a potent shot from outside the box which is something only Rakitic and Messi have had in recent years. Despite being just 5’11, Vidal can dominate in the air and will be a threat in the box alongside Pique, Suarez and even Busquets.
Defensively, he is a tireless runner with great tackling ability. Though at times he is not disciplined in the midfield, he’s able to recover and make decisive tackles. He works best alongside another CDM which allows him to join the attack with more liberty and does not have to be as disciplined. He will bring strength, speed and physicality to a relatively undersized midfield. An upgraded Paulinho if you will.
Where Will He Play?
It will be interesting to see what formation Ernesto Valverde choses for this upcoming season. Valverde was reportedly considering playing a 4-3-3 with Coutinho at the left wing thus giving him more room to operate while still having the opportunity to cut back inside and shoot. As for the midfield, Busquets is an untouchable for the reigning La Liga champions but the void left by Andres Iniesta is yet to be filled. If Valverde decides to play with two holding mids and just one attacking mid, I would like to see Arturo Vidal and Busquets as the holding with Arthur as the attacking mid. Should Valverde go back to one holding mid and two attacking mids, I would prefer to see Busquets as the holding, Rakitic on the right and perhaps Arthur as the left attacking mid. I believe a midfield of Busquets, Rakitic and Vidal does not posses enough creativity and would be rather one dimensional.
I can see Vidal being a rotational player for this squad meaning he can fill in different roles when needed but will not be a consistent starter. Should Busquets be suspended or injured, Vidal and Rakitic could play as the double pivot. The most reliable plan B at the holding mid since Keita left in 2012. Expect to see Vidal play a role similar to Paulinho’s last season. A rotational player used for more physicality in the midfield who can also score some much needed goals.
Overall thoughts
I like Vidal’s transfer for many reasons. An experienced midfielder that’s hungry to win more titles that can help some of the younger midfielders grow and take over once he leaves. It’s a form of Plan B for Barcelona’s possession-based offense. A warrior that can add that fierceness to Barcelona’s midfield. Cheap price tag for a decorated midfield who has great work ethic. Great signing in my opinion. Can’t wait to see how Valverde uses him.
