Why Lazio star Luiz Felipe would be a good addition for Barcelona

As per Mundo Deportivo through Corriere dello Sport (h/t Forbes), Lazio defender Luiz Felipe has emerged as the top defensive target for Barcelona.

Felipe, 22, came through the youth ranks of Ituano in Brazil and joined Lazio in 2016. After spending his first year in Salernitana on loan, he returned to his parent club in the summer of 2017 and has been a part of the club since then.

Though he initially found it hard to get regular game time, he has been rock-solid for Simeone Inzaghi’s side this season, having struck a strong partnership with Francesco Acerbi and Stefan Radu. He has helped the club reach the second spot in the Serie A, one point behind Juventus as they are hoping to secure European qualification.

Meanwhile, the Catalan giants are on top of the La Liga table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad a week back. Though they are leading Real Madrid by 2 points, they have been inconsistent in every department.

Star forward Lionel Messi has been pulling the strings and has single-handedly rescued them in several difficult situations. One of the main reasons for their inconsistency is the lack of quality defensive unit.

Last season, the Blaugrana conceded only 36 goals throughout the campaign but have already let in 31 this term with 11 more games yet to be played. Their defensive record clearly shows that Quique Setien should prioritize strengthening the backline, and reinforcements should be brought in.

Frenchman Samuel Umtiti has not been the same since his post-World Cup knee operation. And the departure of Jean-Clair Todibo has limited the options available at the manager’s disposal. Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique are the only two established centre-backs at the moment but the latter is already 33.

Hence, it would be the right time for Setien to bring in an in-form defender in the summer and Lazio’s Luiz Felipe would be a viable option.

The 22-year-old has been a regular under Inzaghi this season, helping the team keep 9 clean sheets in the 19 league games he has featured so far. Going by his performances, he has the ability to become a top defender and could be the solution to Barcelona’s defence.

Felipe has put in some good performances for his side and was at his best in the recent 2-1 win over Inter Milan. He has the potential to establish himself in Barcelona’s ranks given he replicates the same form.

Read more

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• Why Barcelona are right in handing fresh terms to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
• Why Barcelona have made a good future signing in Francisco Trincao

Verdict

Unlike last season, the La Liga giants have conceded an average of 2 goals per match this campaign. And with Pique ageing, they need to bring in someone who can be a leader for them in the heart of the defence.

Therefore, Barcelona should make a move for Felipe at the end of the season and lure him to Camp Nou. He can be seen as a player for their future, given his abilities.