Barcelona scout on-loan Alavés wing-back Alfonso Pedraza
Ever since Alfonso Pedraza returned to Spain after a loan spell in England with Leeds United, he has been a consistent performer. When Pedraza returned, he was sent on another loan by Villarreal to Alavés where he has reinvented himself as a wing-back.
Under new manager Abelardo, Alavés haven’t been able to rejuvenate their season but Pedraza has been one of the bright spots in an underperforming team. He has shown high work rate, with high attacking and defensive contribution.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
He also finds regular key passes and likes to dribble his way going forward, instead of passing the ball. Hence, Pedraza has a long way to go before he can become a reliable player. But at 21, he is an exciting prospect.
Barcelona have been scouting him him since the start of the season. But correctly, the management has decided not to contact his representatives yet. Newcastle are also interested in him, and may submit an offer in January.
But it will not be a huge loss for the club if he does go to Newcastle. He also has a release clause of €20 million, which is steep considering his inexperience.
Barcelona track Villarreal youngster Rodri
Rodri has been a revelation for Villarreal this season. At the start of the season, he was awarded a spot in the first-team to replace the departing Jonathan Dos Santos. And he has done it with style.
Whether he has had to play as a conventional playmaker or a defensive midfielder, Rodri has excelled. As a defensive midfielder, he has shown that he isn’t afraid to get stuck in and obtain possession for his side. And as a playmaker, he has shown that he has brilliant vision.
He is the complete package, and has local flavour too. Barcelona are scouting him too. Earlier this season, he signed a contract which increased his release clause from €12 million to €20 million. It is a reasonable figure for a player of his potential.
Next: Ernesto Valverde Talks About Champions League Draw
He is a potential successor to Sergio Busquets in the defensive midfielder role. The management should look into Rodri, as he is an interesting prospect.