Barça coach must decide between Lenglet or Umtiti for El Clasico
Quique Setien must decide who will line up alongside Gerard Pique for the biggest match of Barcelona's season so far
"It's one of those things that doesn't allow me to sleep at night," Quique Setien responded when asked who should start alongside Gerard Pique in Barcelona's defence. Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti are both competing for that second spot alongside the former La Masia star. In the match against Napoli, Setien chose Umtiti. Now the same question presents itself about the upcoming El Clasico.
The reality is both have played practically the same amount of minutes since Setien replaced Valverde in the Barça hot seat. Lenglet has played 48 minutes more than his fellow countryman in all competitions. They've played in the same amount of matches (7 out of 10) but have only lined up together once - in the 3-2 victory over Betis. Pique was suspended for that game.
Umtiti is chosen for the biggest games
Although Lenglet has started more matches than Umtiti (6 to 5) and minutes played (530 to 482), 'Big Sam' has been used in the biggest matches of the season. Against both Valencia and Napoli, Umtiti got the nod over Lenglet.
Setien also likes to rotate both alongside Pique. Lenglet played against Eibar and then Umtiti against Napoli. Following that system, Lenglet is due a start in El Clasico.
Pique suffered an ankle injury in the Champions League but is expected to be ready for the top of the table clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. Umtiti is better with the ball at his feet but Lenglet is quicker. Could Setien spring a surprise and play all three?
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