Samuel Umtiti is in his best shape as a Barça player
The centre back is in better shape than when he signed for the club in 2016. However, Barça's decision to sell the player stands.
Barcelona's fitness staff have been monitoring the physical metrics of every member of the squad this pre-season, and Samuel Umtiti's results have been pleasantly surprising. However, despite being in much better shape than expected, the club's decision has been taken and the defender looks likely to leave Camp Nou this window.
According to the statistics, Umtiti is in better shape than when he first signed for the club in the summer of 2016. His first two seasons at the club were very positive, with the player featuring more than 40 times in each. However, after winning the World Cup with France, the player has been on a steady downward trajectory.
No recurrence of knee injury
'Big Sam' is taking pre-season seriously. He wants to return to the peak of his footballing powers and, so far, his knee is holding up to the physical demands of Ronald Koeman's training sessions. However, given his injury record, there is always the fear of another injury. The fitness staff are happy with his progress and feel that he is in peak physical condition.
Stricter diet
Umtiti is also following a stricter diet, which has helped him to shed a few unwanted pounds. While this physical transformation isn't enough to convince the club to keep him, it could help him return to the level that he was playing at a few years ago for his new side.
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