5 defenders FC Barcelona should target this summer

FC Barcelona are one of the biggest clubs in the world, they are popularly known for their tiki-taka style of play of football in which they are the masters of manipulating space on the football pitch even if the opponent has eleven players defending.

But one common characteristic which we see in many teams is that they like to start from the back, was actually a style of play started by Barcelona. In this style of football, the defenders need to be very comfortable on the ball to start the attacks from the back.

Thus for Barcelona is sign a defender it would not only be about his strength, pace but how much comfort he has on the ball is one of the features which the Catalan giants look into their defenders as well.

Also under Ernesto Valverde, they don't attack so much, but they have become more of a balanced side for which they need quality as well as depth in their defence as well.

For a team like Barca who are always one of the favourites to win every tournament they participate in, they need a strong defence.

Though they did sign Yerry Mina in the January transfer window but he hasn't really shown his best and with other defenders such as Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen in their 30's, the Blaugrana are clearly in need for defensive enforcements.

Here are five defenders they should target in the summer transfer window-

---

#1 Matthijs De Ligt (Ajax)

The Dutchmen is a target for various clubs.

At the tender age of 18, Matthijs De LIgt is a Europa League runner-up and Netherland international. He also regular in Ajax first team and since he has broken into the first team he hasn't looked back.

At such young age, the defender is already a leader at the back. He has an impressive physique and his 6'1 height helps in being an ariel threat as well.

He is very comfortable on the ball and does not panic under pressure. Also, the centre back is good with both his feet and he has an impressive range of passing as well. With the departure of Davinson Sanchez to Tottenham, more responsibilities come on the shoulders on the young centre-back and he has done very well.

According to former Ajax manager, Frank De Boer Barca scouts have told him that Barcelona want to sign the centre-back and then send him back to Ajax on loan. But the Spanish giants are likely to face competition from Juventus, Spurs and Manchester City.

With his leadership qualities and ability on the ball, he should be a good buy for Barca and he could be the player around whom they can build their backline for the future as he just 18 years old.

#2 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

Marcos Alonso has been one of the most consistent players for Chelsea

Since joining Chelsea last season from Fiorentina the Spaniard has been a revelation. Despite Chelsea's poor Premier League season he managed to be in the PFA Team of the Year as he grabbed the left back spot.

Marcos Alonso has many attributes which would FC Barcelona, despite not being physically imposing or having plenty of pace the former Bolton defender has been one of the most consistent players for Chelsea.

The Chelsea wing-back is capable of playing as a centre back and a wing back as well. This season he has chipped in eight goals and three assists as well. He is very dangerous with his free kicks and he also pops up for headers as well.

His technical ability is also very good, so is his first touch and he is always very comfortable on the ball.

If Barca manages to sign him and if he performs well for them, it would be like an icing on the cake for them as he is actually a product of Real Madrid's youth academy, but he just managed to make one appearance for the Los Blancos.

At the age of 27, he has many years of his peak left in him and Barcelona have already identified him as a long-term replacement for Gerrard Pique. Also if reports are believed to be true, Lionel Messi also wants Barca to complete the deal for the Chelsea star.

#3 Dyotchanculle Upamecano (RB Leipzig)

Upamecano dreams of playing for FC Barcelona.

The 19-year-old Frenchman is one of most exciting young prospects in world football. He has been a mainstay in Leipzig backline and his performances have earned him applauds from many plaudits and fans as well.

The 6'1 defender is very good in one on one situations and it is very tough to go past him. The former Valenciennes FC centre-back has got great skills on the ball and his first touch is also very good.

Coupled with it he also possesses composure of an experienced player and plenty of pace as well.

He is also a quick read of the game like Gerard Pique and he is also good at decision making. The Leipzig defender has been described as a joy to watch on the pitch because of his decision making.

Also, it should be considered that he is only 19 years old and clearly, his best years are yet to come.

Since Barcelona's main threat of conceding goals are counter attacks they clearly need someone with pace who can deal with them. Also, his ability on the ball makes him a perfect candidate to be a Barca defender.

The young defender has already revealed that he dreams of playing for Barcelona and the Catalan giants have been linked with a £87m bid for him.

#4 Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

Koulibaly should prove to be a long-term solution to Barca's defensive problems.

Kalidou Koulibaly has been in the transfer news for quite some time now and with each passing season, it seems like he will eventually leave Napoli for a bigger club. If he decides to leave their will definitely be no shortage of suitors for him.

Blessed with pace and physicality the centre back is also capable of playing in other positions such as right back and left back as well. He is 6'5 inches tall and he loves to impose his physicality on his opponents.

His passing style of play is of short passes which should help him if he makes a switch to the Camp Nou. With him and Samuel Umtiti Barcelona can easily with counter attacks and ariel threats as well.

At the age of 26, he can prove to be a long-term solution to the Blaugrana defensive problems. Also, he has plenty of experience of playing in a top league like Serie A and Europe as well.

The only problem could be prising him away from Napoli as Aurelio De Laurentiis as it is very tough to negotiate with him and Napoli are likely to let Kouibaldy leave when they feel the price is right in this current inflated transfer market. According to reports Barca are seriously considering to make a move for the former Metz defender.

#5 Clément Lenglet (Sevilla)

Clement Lenglet should prove to be a smart buy for Barca.

The Frenchman is just 22 years old and he has been constantly linked with to the Camp Nou. He is good with his positioning and timing his tackles. He is a hard-working defender who attacks the ball aggressively and he has good concentration levels as well.

The former Nancy defender often carries the ball forward to start attacks. He has been impressive in the big games in the Champions League against Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Such performances have earned him a big reputation as well.

The centre-back is still uncapped for his country France and he understands that if he wishes to play for France in future he needs to move to a bigger club like FC Barcelona.

But it is belevied that he will only make a move to a new club where is guaranteed to have a good playing time.

According to reports Barca are already interested in the defender, but they will face competition from Manchester United who have made a £31 million bid for him. He will also meet the Sevilla executives to discuss his future next week as well.

Clément Lenglet has a release clause of £35 million and considering how much inflated the current transfer market is he should be a smart buy for the Catalan giants.

---

Which of these defenders do you want to see at Barcelona? Sound off in the comments section below!