Mathieu essential in new Barcelona

During the past five years, the only centre-back sign from Barcelona was under Pep Guardiola who brought in Dmytro Chygrynskiy. This year, Jeremy Mathieu, joined the squad in late July rising from left-back position to central defensive.

For the first seven matches of the La Liga, Barcelona has kept a clean sheet and haven’t received any goal, most of this feat is goalkeeper Claudio Bravo who made a new record after being 630 minutes without conceding any goal, last holding record was Maria Artola with 560 minutes in 1977-78.

Also, a huge part of this feat is thanks to Mathieu, wondering why has taken Barcelona so long to address the defense problem in its history. 

Chygrynskiy’s addaptation, or rather lack of it, was a big problem, leaving Javier Mascherano, Sergio Busquets and Alex Song trying to fill the gap in recent years.

Mathieu is not far from the last names, he has being playing in centre-back position only for the last 18 months, when Adil Rami and Ricardo Costa where absent due to injuries back in Valencia 2013 season. 

It was an emergency, but the change worked instantly and he remained in the middle for the rest of the season.

His qualities where perfect for a full attacking full-back, culture, poise and speed, and probably one of the most Mathieu’s elegance.

In central position he has changed from useful to essential, and argentinian coach described him as one of the best defenders in current La Liga. Barcelona is lucky to have signed with him, because Bayern Munich was also very interested for the player.

Ironically, in the last game of this season, Mathieu returned to left-back against Rayo. 

And still in his old position, his performance was perfect enough that he could be used by coach Luis Enrique to put pressure on Jordi Alba.

It seems that wherever he plays, hi is really a considerable asset for the team and the guarantee that the team as needed.