Why Ruben Neves would be a great signing for Barca 🔥
(A Thread)
26 years old, but been a starter since the 17/18 season where he played 42 games in Championship for Wolverhampton. Got promoted, and followed the team to Premier League - been a guaranteed starter since. 3 games missed with injury.
Ruben Neves shouldn’t be a priority, but as long as it doesn’t block other transfers, he would be an upgrade to Kessie, who I assume will leave if the Portuguese joins.
Available, experienced, and certain abilities which benefits Barca. Solid squad depth. A fighter.
Ruben Neves could feature as an interior midfielder or in a double pivot.
He won’t be a replacement for Busquets, and he should not play as a 6/single pivot. Why? Not that disciplined (positionally). Better as a box to box player.
Goal vs Liverpool.
My favorite part about Ruben Neves is his passing range. Amazing long passes, which is something we will miss without Busquets. Gavi, Kessie and Frenkie can’t offer the same. Neves completes 9.3 long passes per 90 minutes. Why do I value this?
At times we create numerical superiority on one side to isolate wingers/width holders on the other side. To find them, we need someone who can effectively switch the play.
That’s Ruben Neves. Great passer from the deep.
Another area of expertise often associated with Neves is his ball striking. Screamers from distance. While he has a powerful shot, I have to disappoint you.
Ruben Neves averages 0.09 goals per 90 minutes. Goals per shot: 0.05. He wouldn’t necessarily be a reliable goalscorer.
Still, he has the vision & technique to become a good midfielder for Barca. Can be utilized in different roles, and has age on his side.
This is a transfer I support, as long as it doesn’t prevent us from reinforcing other positions.
Kessie lacked the qualities in possession to play in a double pivot for Barca. This lead to him becoming a second striker at times. Good profile to have, but not enough to defend a place in the team. Ruben Neves makes more sense.
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