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Barcelona growing interests in Djibril Sidibe: What can he offer to Xavi?

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According to recent reports, FC Barcelona have raised interest in AS Monaco defender Djibril Sidibe. The player is one of the two alternatives for the Spanish side, the second being Ajax’s Noussair Mazraoui.

Djibril Sidibe is a very established player in world football, as the player has been at the top level with Monaco. The 29-year-old has already lifted the World Cup with his France international squad and has also won the French league with Les Monégasques in 2016/17.

The player’s potential and performances have attracted the Blaugranas and made him a potential target. Even though they recently signed Dani Alves, the player is seen as a short-term option and hence the team wants another established RB. While the Frenchman could seek a move to Barcelona, with his contract with Monaco expiring in 2022.

Djibril Sidibe’s rise through the ranks

The Frenchman made his professional debut at Troyes in 2010 and from there he joined LOSC Lille in 2012, as a replacement for Mathieu Debuchy. The player burst into the scene at Lille but had his first major breakthrough at Monaco under Leonardo Jardim.

His presence helped Les Monégasques win the Ligue 1 title in the 2016/17 season, and his performances also earned him the France international cap for the 2018 World Cup. Even though his contributions were minimal, he still won the tournament with his national side. Sidibe joined Premier League team Everton in 2019 in a long-loan deal and played as a rotation player in 25 appearances. Since returning to Monaco last summer, the Frenchman has made a total of 160 appearances for the club in all competitions. (stats via TRANSFERMARKT)

The player is known for his defensive work and dominance. He relies more on his physicality rather than technique. He is often an indirect set-piece threat, delivering good crosses to finish. With a strong holding of the ball and great interceptions, the France international is considered more as a defensive full-back.

Sidibe could offer the strength that the Barcelona defence needs

Xavi’s first move as a new manager was to sign his former Catalan teammate Dani Alves. The player is probably the best right-back in the history of football. While his introduction to the team would surely bring in a huge lot of support for the team’s defence.

However, it is not hidden that Alves is 38. The Brazilian is at the end of his career and he is just a very short investment. Xavi can not depend on him for long and make a team based on him. Even the poor performances of current Barca RBs Sergino Dest and Oscar Mingueza have not helped the team’s cause.

Hence, the introduction of Sidibe to the Barcelona defence could improve the physical dominance that the team lacks currently. His experience could also help other players to step up their game. For a long-term replacement and a free transfer, the Frenchman is highly considerable.

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