The last time FC Barcelona had signed a right back from Sevilla, he had grown to become a legend. Dani Alves left this summer to Juventus with a clutch of medals in his suitcase and a place in the La Liga hall of fame well and truly sealed.It would have been only natural then, that Aleix Vidal – signed from Sevilla with much fanfare – expected to take his place, as the heir of the Alves crown.
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He was supposed to be a regular starter – with no other recognised right back in the squad, it really shouldn't have been much of a problem. But Luis Enrique never really warmed to the Spaniard and he's played just 10 games for the Blaugrana – nine of them last season.
One on the one occasion he was given a chance – in that shock defeat to Alaves – he was all over the place defensively and not much of a threat in attack. Having pace is one thing, but he played like a man with shattered confidence, and when you are gone mentally, no amount of physical attributes can help you.
Also, Read - Ivan Rakitic says Barcelona are not the same team without Lionel Messi
He hasn't played a minute after that. And with Luis Enrique singing the praises of Sergi Roberto – a makeshift right back who is a central midfielder by trade – or playing a back three when Roberto is rested it looks unlikely that Vidal will ever pull on a Barca shirt again. Apparently, Enrique is unimpressed with the full-back's training and effort in training. In fact, he's been left out of the match-day squad entirely for the last six matches.
Not best pleased at this, Vidal has made it clear he wants out. It doesn't always happen at Barca, but he doesn't want to stay at one of the World's biggest clubs and that is probably for the best for both parties.
He's reportedly made it clear to his teammates that he wants out in January. According to AS, he was heard saying this in the dressing room, "It’s clear to me. I want to leave."
Rumours: A swap deal may be on the cards with Valencia
Apparently, Barcelona are already in discussions with Valencia for a swap deal - they would like Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo
It's a pity it hasn't worked out for Vidal and Barca, considering just how good the fullback (who is comfortable on the wings and as a central midfielder) was in his time at Sevilla - where he played 47 times in all competitions, and even chipped in with 6 goals
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