‘Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy’ – Carles Puyol gives his verdict on Alessandro Bastoni

“You should ask Deco,” he said. “I think he’s a very good defender. I also think that Barcelona have very good defenders, youngsters who know Barcelona’s style well.

“Playing as a defender at Barcelona isn’t easy with such a high line. Sometimes it’s difficult to adapt, but if the club thinks they have to go and get Bastoni, then I think they’ll be buying a strong player and they will have analysed him perfectly to understand if he’s the right choice and whether his purchase is feasible, because in the end, you can want a player but there aren’t always the right conditions to buy him.” Talk of a move for Bastoni has gone quiet lately but expect the rumor mill to be back in full swing as we head towards the end of the season and the opening of the summer window.