Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde was excluded from Spain’s squad for the upcoming EURO qualifiers against Cyprus and Georgia, and if a report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, Xavi and his coaching staff plan to use this time to restore the best version of the youngster.
During the same break, Balde will aim to rejuvenate and re-establish physical harmony to regain lost sensations. Although not sidelined by any injuries, he has been experiencing some discomfort, hindering his participation in certain games.
A couple of weeks ago, we established that although Balde’s influence in the first team has not dipped, his contribution in offence has taken a big toll and as a result, his overall figures have diminished.
In any way, the 20-year-old is not the only one who needs to shoulder the responsibility of declining performance.
For what it is worth, since their 1-2 defeat against Real Madrid, Barcelona have struggled to have a stronghold and the international break is likely to play a big role in their search for rejuvenation.
So what is Barcelona’s plan?
As MD states, Balde’s place in Barcelona’s starting XI is untouchable, although everyone has the same feeling that they have not seen the best of the youngster this season.
The 20-year-old has provided a solitary assist this season and it is clear that he lacks the impact he once had on the game.
As iterated before, the upcoming international break will offer a chance for both Xavi and the player to rediscover the latter’s form and regain peak physical condition.
Barcelona play Alaves at home tomorrow and it is only after this fixture that the internationals will depart. Once the break is over, the players will start returning to club duties to begin preparations for the away game against Rayo Vallecano on November 25.
