Barcelona and Real Madrid are undoubtedly the two biggest clubs in the world today. They’re the epitome of global domination and success. To stay on top of the world, the two know they must constantly target the best talents in the world. This insatiable appetite to sign the best players creates an enormous bidding war every summer between the two clubs. This summer will be no different.
There are several players right now who have been making the right noises over the past few seasons. They are now the talk of the town and both Barcelona and Real Madrid are sniffing around. On that note, here are five players who will need to choose between the two clubs this summer.
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#5 Marco Verratti
Marco Verratti is the player everyone loves to rate but not talk about. His performances in the Champions League this past season have fully cemented his standing amongst the world’s best midfielders. Many have called him a cross between Luka Modric and Andres Iniesta, arguably the two best central midfielders today.
Now, it’s time for the Italian to either complement one of these two or replace them.
If we’re being brutally honest, it’s hard to see Verratti breaking into Madrid’s midfield three, as Kroos, Modric & Casemiro have formed a formidable partnership. However, the Barcelona situation looks different, Andre Gomes & Ivan Rakitic have failed woefully to plug the hole left by Xavi. They’ve also failed in reducing the creative responsibility on Iniesta.
Also read: PSG's Verratti would be perfect fit at Barcelona – Garcia
Regardless of the midfield situations, both teams want him and Verratti must choose the best option for his promising career.
#4 David De Gea
Many would argue that David De Gea is the best shot-stopper in the world; some would even say he’s the best all-round keeper. The Spaniard has regularly been Manchester United’s shining light over the past three seasons. He’s constantly saved them from perilous situations and often been the only difference between a draw and a win.
Now the keeper is wanted by the world’s best and the player himself is tired of finishing outside the top 4 in the Premier League. De Gea would be an upgrade on both Ter Stegen and Keylor Navas, thus making him a priority. As a former Atletico Madrid player, the Spaniard would fit in to both clubs and their cultures.
#3 Eden Hazard
Despite winning two Premier League titles in three years, Eden Hazard’s talent deserves more. He’s a player that should be aiming for Champions League trophies and not settling for seasons without European football.
At the age of 26, Hazard is firmly in the prime of his career. His physical ability will support his intelligent brain for only another four years at best, that’s why it’s now or never for the Belgian.
Because he’s so special and versatile, the Belgian could slot into both Barcelona and Real Madrid’s starting XIs, not necessarily on the wing. It’s guaranteed that if Hazard were to leave this summer, he’d command a world record fee in excess of £100m.
#2 Ousmane Dembélé
The French wonderkid was nothing short of a revelation this past season, taking the Bundesliga by storm and announcing himself to the world. The 20-year-old is now wanted by every top club in the world, with a price tag of £79m being quoted. It’s a staunch fee for a 20-year-old but that’s the going price for world class talents.
As an explosive right winger, Dembélé would easily fit into Real Madrid’s 4-3-3 system, as he’d possibly push Gareth Bale out to the left wing. At Barcelona, he’d struggle to displace one of the front three, unless Ernesto Valverde deploys a 4-2-3-1 with Messi at #10.
For the youngster, he’d have to choose which of the two Spanish giants could give him the most playing time and best coaching.
#1 Paulo Dybala
With regular comparisons to Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala’s career has been under the microscope ever since he appeared on the world stage. His small frame mixed with his explosive pace, agility and powerful left foot has forced people to liken him to Messi and Maradona, but the truth is, the 23-year-old is a different player altogether.
The former Palermo striker offers much more than just dribbling; he’s exceptional at threading through balls, creating chances, taking free kicks and holding up play for others. Dybala is a well-rounded player that would suit most, if not all systems in the world.
In football, we all understand that there are tiers in terms of quality. At this moment in time, Barcelona and Real Madrid are on their own tier; they have the financial power and status to sign any player in the world. Juventus are on the tier below, making Dybala an accessible target.
The Argentinean has been talked up by both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi in recent seasons, and it’s his choice as to who he’d rather play with.
