The future is Alejandro Balde is once again in question as the full-back is reportedly considering a January exit given his lack of minutes in the first two months of this Barcelona season.
Balde was heavily linked with a move away and Manchester United seemed to have serious interest, but Balde ultimately decided to stay and fight for his spot.
Unfortunately for him, the form of João Cancelo and the quick and unexpected rise of Xavi Espart made it virtually impossible for Balde to play regularly,
and Hansi Flick was asked about his situation at a press conference on Friday.
The coach understands that it’s not easy for Balde to play so little football, but explained the reasons for his limited role and praised his attitude in training as he waits for an opportunity.
“It’s not easy for him right now, but he’s training, which is the most important thing he needs to do, and he’s training very well. In that position, we have [Xavi] Espart and João [Cancelo], two top players who are playing at a very high level. That’s all I can say.
“It’s certainly not perfect for Balde, but he does his job professionally, and that’s what I want and what’s necessary when you’re in that situation and you have to show you’re ready if they need you, and he does.”
Balde’s situation is very difficult indeed. There is clearly still a very good player in there, as we saw especially in Flick’s first season in charge, but his injury history and the lack of consistent improvement in his decision-making in attack over the last 12-15 months allowed other players to jump him in the depth chart.
As unfortunate as it is the reality is Barça currently have better left-back options than Balde, and he can either wait for circurmstances to change internally or find another club where he can start every week.
