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Barcelona: Top 5 options for left-back signing in January

By Chiranjib Ghosh

FARO, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 1: Alex Grimaldo from SL Benfica in action during the International Champions Cup match between SL Benfica and Lyon at Estadio Algarve on August 1, 2018 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
FARO, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 1: Alex Grimaldo from SL Benfica in action during the International Champions Cup match between SL Benfica and Lyon at Estadio Algarve on August 1, 2018 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) /
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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 01: Toni Lato of Valencia during the Pre-Season Friendly between Leicester City and Valencia at The King Power Stadium on August 1, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 01: Toni Lato of Valencia during the Pre-Season Friendly between Leicester City and Valencia at The King Power Stadium on August 1, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

4. Toni Lato

Toni Lato was first called up to the Valencia first-team squad by former manager Gary Neville, who kept him unused in a 4-0 victory over Granada in the Copa del Rey. But later that season, the youngster made his debut for the senior side in the Europa League, replacing José Gayà.

The 20-year old left-back has made 26 appearances for Valencia. He has acted as an understudy to fellow academy graduate José Gayà, and has not got much playing time due to the easy schedule of Valencia in seasons subsequent to his promotion.

Lato is a strong tackler of the ball, and is solid defensively. But he also likes to get involved in attacks, and has started moves which have ended in goals. He has a total of 2 assists to his name. But he does have disciplinary issues, having received 7 yellow cards till date.

If he joined Barcelona, he could get a lot of playing time in the Copa del Rey. Lato could also be used in the starting lineup against weaker sides in the La Liga, giving the 29-year old Jordi Alba some much-needed rest for important Champions League fixtures.

Valencia will be reluctant to let go of Toni Lato, as he is one of the better players to emerge from their youth academy in recent times. But a bid of sufficient size, coupled with the player’s interest in a move, will force Los Che to sell him.

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