Valverde will hand Marlon Santos first team chance at Barcelona
The new coach will give the Brazilian opportunities in America this summer
With Mathieu off, Marlon could take the French defender's place in the squad
New Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has faith in Marlon Santos, the Brazilian defender who has been with the first team at the end of the season and is wanted by several clubs.
Valverde hopes for a lot from Marlon, 21, who joined the club on loan last summer and will have that move made permanent soon. The former Athletic Club coach is convinced by the youngster’s quality and will give him an important role in the United States, where the club will play Juventus (July 22), Manchester United (July 26) and Real Madrid (July 29).
The team’s necessities this summer, according to sporting director Robert Fernandez, are a right-back, a midfielder and a wide forward. The need for a central defender has reduced following the appearance of Marlon, who could be the fourth centre-back if he does well this summer. The possible departure of Jeremy Mathieu, therefore, doesn’t worry the new coach.
QUALITY
Marlon, who has been dubbed the new Marquinhos, has done well the three times Luis Enrique has played him: twice in La Liga (Las Palmas and Eibar) and once in the Champions League (Celtic). He stands out for his physical qualities, his size and strength. He is also brave, with a great sense of anticipation and is comfortable playing the ball out from the back.
Little by little he’s been adapting to Barça’s system and is good when it comes to finding spaces. The coaches have been happy with his evolution this season and feel he’s worthy of a first team chance. Valverde will have the final word later this summer but everything suggests he will be competing with Pique, Umtiti and Mascherano.
Marlon arrived in the summer of 2016 on loan from Fluminense. Barça agreed in December to make his signing permanent.
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