5 reasons why Barcelona must make Thiago Alcantara their top transfer target

#2 Heir apparent to Iniesta and Xavi

Borussia Dortmund v FC Bayern Muenchen - Bundesliga

Thiago left Barcelona in the summer of 2013 for Bayern Munich, citing that a lack of playing time was hurting his career. Barcelona had signed Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal in the previous season, and with Andres Iniesta and Xavi already present in midfield, the chances of holding down a regular starting place looked bleak for Thiago.

Fabregas was widely considered the leader of the next generation of Barcelona's midfielders. While he did do well on occasion, the former Arsenal man failed to meet expectations and often went missing in big away games, costing the club their chances for major trophies. Fabregas has since moved back to London and now plays for Premier League side Chelsea.

Barcelona's midfield roles are now ripe for the taking, with the club's midfield maestro Andres Iniesta not getting any younger. Iniesta has put in some excellent performances this season, but is unable to sustain his brilliance for long periods of time.

Thiago, himself, has often been likened to both Iniesta and Xavi, displaying the ability to dribble past opponents and create chances as well as control the tempo of the game and play as a midfield metronome, as Xavi once did. At only 26, Thiago will also have plenty of time to grow into his role and attain his peak at Barcelona.