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Could Giovanni van Bronckhorst replace Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona?

By Chiranjib Ghosh

Feyenoord trainer coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord Rotterdam at the MAC3Park stadium on January 19, 2019 in Zwolle, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Feyenoord trainer coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord Rotterdam at the MAC3Park stadium on January 19, 2019 in Zwolle, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona could have a replacement for Valverde in ex-Culé Van Bronckhorst

Ernesto Valverde’s contract is up at the end of the season. The Barcelona board has expressed full faith in the Basque coach, and wants him to stay on. But Valverde is yet to make up his mind. The club should prepare a list of replacements in case he decides to leave.

One of the names which should figure most prominently in the list should be former Barça left-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The ex-Netherlands international has decided to leave Feyenoord after 4 years as manager, before which he was the assistant coach.

Van Bronckhorst is among the most successful coaches in the Eredivisie, having brought Feyenoord back from a backseat in Dutch football. He has won 5 trophies as Feyenoord manager, including their first Eredivisie title in 18 years in 2017.

Van Bronckhorst’s time at Barcelona under compatriot Frank Rijkaard has clearly influenced his managerial style. Feyenoord have become known for having a possession-based style of play, with short passing and through balls.

In the last few seasons, De Trots van Zuid have shown signs of increasing similarity to classic Barça football. Feyenoord often depend on their playmakers to create chances, while the wingers’ skill also comes in handy in the final third.

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Most of their attacks also go down the middle, while direct free-kicks are a specialty of Feyenoord. They are also very good at defending corners and other set-pieces. But they also get caught offside up front often, and concede plenty of goals. Feyenoord also score a lot from long shots.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is also a brilliant scout of young talent, having spent a year as assistant manager of the Netherlands Under-21 team. At Feyenoord, he has overseen the development of starlets like Jeremiah St. Juste, Tonny Vilhena and Sven van Beek.

He has also been able to get the best out of the ageing Robin van Persie, who has scored 17 goals and provided 3 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions after his return to his boyhood club. Wingers Steven Berghuis and Sam Larsson have also grown significantly under him.

Coupled with the fact that his coaching philosophy adheres to Barça’s tiki-taka, Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a promoter of youth. Under his supervision, La Masia graduates will never feel unwanted as they do now.

Next. Barça's midfielder is all set for the future. dark

If Ernesto Valverde does decide to leave Barcelona, he will among the best options as replacement. Van Bronckhorst would adhere to the club policy of hiring former players, and has the ability to deliver the goods after having gained lots of experience as head coach.