'Monsieur' Lenglet: the centre back who is relaxed on and off the pitch
There's no sign of ego or overconfidence in the Frenchman, who Valverde admits is playing at a "very high level"
"Clement is having a great season, he's playing at such a high level," admitted Ernesto Valverde following the derby victory over Espanyol. "He's needed to take on an important role due to injuries and we're delighted with him," concluded the coach.
The level Clement is showing means he has overtaken Samuel Umtiti in the pecking order at Barça.
"Lenglet is very efficient but he doesn't have international experience," is what Didier Deschamps said to justify his exclusion from the latest France squad. This has surprised many at the club due to how well Lenglet has consistently performed in the top competitions this season.
At just 23, Lenglet has shown that he's got a long future ahead of him at Barça. He's taken over the first team spot without any public declarations or demands for greater playing time. He's done his talking on the pitch. Lenglet is extremely organised and makes good, calculated decisions.
Against Espanyol he once again lined up alongside Pique and produced two moments of elite defending. He denied Wu Lei a certain goal and blocked Rubi from creating another big chance for the hosts.
And that calm attitude you see out on the pitch is the same one he has off it. He's desperate to learn and improve, as such he studies his opponents in order for him to produce his best. He finished the match against Espanyol with a pass completion rate of 90% and only gave away two fouls. All four long passes where successful too.
"We knew he had a high technical level and was good in the challenge. He's always focused and we're delighted with him. He's an example of what you should do, constantly improving. He helps when we build up from the back and he's great in the press too," insisted Valverde. The club is so impressed by Lenglet that they are considering handing him a new contract in the summer.
