Maxi Gomez the most suitable option for Barcelona to strengthen attack in January

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 14:55 13/01/2019
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  • Maxi Gomez

    It’s no secret that Barcelona are on the hunt for a striker in the winter transfer window.

    Luis Suarez is 32 next week and the Uruguayan himself has publicly asked the club to line up a replacement.

    Munir El Haddadi – who struggled to establish himself at the Catalan club in recent years – was sold to Sevilla on a permanent deal.

    This all but pushes the need for Ernesto Valverde to sign a striker. With conventional number nines like Mauro Icardi and Harry Kane being linked to the Spanish giants, we line up three second strikers who the club should attempt to sign.

    The second strikers could be assimilated into the squad slowly and eventually be promoted to a number nine.

    This would also reduce the creative burden on Lionel Messi – which Philippe Coutinho has been unable to do – and provide more options for Ernesto Valverde.

    DREAM: ANTOINE GRIEZMANN

    Age: 27

    Current club: Atletico Madrid

    Market value: €150m

    Griezmann has always been a priority name on Barcelona’s shopping list.

    The Frenchman was linked with a move to the La Liga champions last summer but pulled out of talks on the eve of the World Cup.

    The 27-year-old would be a perfect fit at the Camp Nou and can function as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1, right behind Suarez, much like how he functioned behind Oliver Giroud in the World Cup.

    It’s unlikely this move will go through, especially after what happened last summer when he revealed via video that he was staying at Atletico.

    Griezmann will remain a dream signing for Barcelona, but expect them to land another player instead.

    REALISTIC: MAXI GOMEZ

    Age: 22

    Current club: Celta Vigo

    Market value: €35m

    A revelation at Celta Vigo, Maxi Gomez must surely be a name high on Barcelona’s shopping list.

    Iago Aspas’s strike partner in Celta Vigo’s 4-4-2, Gomez usually holds play to allow Aspas to get in behind the defence and then provide the Spaniard in formidable attacking opportunities.

    The Uruguayan has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 15 appearances this season. For Celta Vigo – a team who are currently 16th in the table – these are extremely impressive numbers.

    Capable of pulling off the roles of a classic number nine and a secondary striker, Gomez would be a great buy for Barcelona.

    WILDCARD: ABEL RUIZ

    Age: 18

    Current club: Barcelona B

    Market value: €3m

    What if the answer has been lying around in La Masia all the time? What if Barcelona are searching for a replacement everywhere but the club itself?

    At just 18 years of age, Abel Ruiz has the potential to be one of the most complete strikers in the world. A classic number nine – who has all the qualities to function as a second striker – Ruiz might be exactly what Barcelona are looking for.

    The Spaniard is capable of creating, scoring and can also play as an off-the-shoulder striker. He also possesses a great sense of positioning, which is essential to play for a team like Barcelona.

    The youngster from Valencia boasts a clinical finishing ability, decision making, dribbling, hold up play and he will not cost the Catalan side any extra money. But it all comes down to Barcelona’s judgement call. Are they ready to promote a rising star with no La Liga experience at such a crucial time?

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