The Marcos Alonso factor could close doors to a new CB in January

The Marcos Alonso factor could close doors to a new CB in January

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Barcelona have been using the left-back out of position to decent effect

Marcos Alonso was one of Barça's last signings, but his performance has convinced the club. Xavi Hernández is betting on him as a left-footed center-back due to the many injuries, and the former Chelsea player has more than fulfilled that role. The Alonso factor has created a debate in the club about whether or not to sign a left footed defender in the winter market and Barça is seriously thinking about saving that investment to bet on other, more necessary, goals.

Marcos arrived from Chelsea to play left-back. He has played several games there because it is his natural position, but Baldé's emergence and injuries have placed him as a left-footed central defender in more than one game. And he has adapted without any problem because he had already played sporadically in this position in the past.

Pique’s surprise retirement made Barça, and especially Xavi, look at the option of signing a left-footed central defender in January. The chosen one is Íñigo Martínez but the problem is that his contract ends in June and there are voices in the board and in the sports staff who do not see any logic for spending any amount when he can come for free. Xavi has Koundé, Eric Garcia, Araujo and Christensen for that position and there could be something to do if there are more injuries but Marcos Alonso has shown that he can be used as a wild card there without problems.

For Xavi it is key to sign a right-back now and put an end to the problems in that position. Bellerín is not convincing and Sergi Roberto is injured so Balde has had to play on the wrong side various times. The coach believes that it would be good to have a specialist who joins the club now and is valid for the future too. As for Alonso, Barça have already decided to renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season. They are very, very satisfied with his performance and believe that he is a very suitable player for the future so he could extend his contract for two more years.

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