Barcelona: Top 5 potential successors to the ageing Gerard Piqué
![LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 28: Panagiotis Retsos of Leverkusen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at BayArena on April 28, 2018 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 28: Panagiotis Retsos of Leverkusen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at BayArena on April 28, 2018 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1efd4093ca69f3d7f91944405e0bc8f33de8fa592b749dd6272bfabeb07a2c8b.jpg)
5. Milan Škriniar
Milan Škriniar has been emerging as one of the best centre-backs in Europe. Ever since he moved to Serie A with Sampdoria, he has not looked back. The 23-year old Slovakian centre-back earned himself a move to Inter Milan after making 35 appearances in a single season for Sampdoria.
Since joining Inter, Škriniar has been a revelation. He started all games in the Serie A in his first season at the San Siro, scoring 4 goals. He has made 7 appearances in all competitions this season, making his Champions League debut in a 2-1 win over Tottenham.
Škriniar is a good passer of the ball, and does not hesitate to go for risky challenges. He is seldom careless at the back, and avoids errors when he can help it. The young defender is also an aerial threat from set-pieces and corners.
After ending last season as one of Inter’s standout performers, Škriniar attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, and also Barcelona. But he elected to remain at Inter due to his belief in the sporting project at the Nerazzurri.
It will be hard for Éric Abidal to convince Škriniar to give up his starting spot at Inter to warm the bench at the Camp Nou. Also, Inter have a very high asking price for their star centre-back, which is unaffordable for Barcelona. Nevertheless, Milan Škriniar is a very good option.