Clement Lenglet suffering from pressure of leading Barca defence
The Frenchman has been below the level we are used to seeing from him
Barcelona centre back Clement Lenglet must think he is paying a high price for the other defenders being in the sick bay. Although he hurt his ankle against Osasuna, and went off, he has had to keep playing and not done well either.
Against Juventus, Ronald Koeman decided to sub him off after a bad mistake he made to handle the ball and give Ronaldo a penalty, as well as committing a foul after that could have seen him get sent off.
Lenglet has started 14 of 16 matches this season, only missing the 1-1 with Sevilla, as he was suspended. He's been involved in three of the six bad defensive errors that Barca have made this season leading to goals.
He was also sent off at Celta Vigo with his team 1-0 up and without him Barca went on to win 3-0.
Against Real Madrid in the Clasico, Lenglet also gave away a penalty as he tussled with Sergio Ramos.
With Gerard Pique out long term and Ronald Araujo only just back, along with Samuel Umtiti, Lenglet has had to play every three days virtually and be the leader of the defence. An area which is always high risk at Barca.
Former captain Carles Puyol was able to, with his intensity and character, and Pique too, but he is out for months. He also made a bad mistake against Atletico along with Ter Stegen.
Lenglet's error against Cadiz was probably the worst he has made, giving Negredo his goal and consigning Barca to defeat.
LISTEN TO A NEW FC BARCELONA PODCAST IN ENGLISH
Topics with the letter
