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Barcelona technical secretary Éric Abidal sees own successor in Ferland Mendy

By Chiranjib Ghosh

Barcelona's French defender Eric Abidal poses during an interview with AFP on November 19, 2010 at the "Sports Center FC Bacelona Joan Gamper" near Barcelona. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's French defender Eric Abidal poses during an interview with AFP on November 19, 2010 at the "Sports Center FC Bacelona Joan Gamper" near Barcelona. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona technical secretary Éric Abidal sees himself in Ferland Mendy

Éric Abidal is undoubtedly among the greatest French footballers of the 21st century. The former left-back enjoyed an illustrious playing career, playing at clubs like Monaco and Barcelona while also reaching the 2006 World Cup final with the France national team.

After enjoying a good few seasons at Lyon, Abidal was signed for Frank Rijkaard’s Barça side by then technical secretary Txiki Begiristain. He replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst as first-choice left-back, and remained in that role for the rest of his career at the Camp Nou.

Abidal temporarily lost his place in the first-team to Maxwell, but eventually got it back before joining Olympiacos. In his career at Barça spanning 6 years, the former France international won 15 trophies, including 4 La Liga titles.

After his departure, Barça brought in Jordi Alba from Valencia. The Spanish left-backs has gone out to become one of the best full-backs in the world. But now, the club is looking for a successor to Alba. This search has led back to Lyon yet again, 12 years on.

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This time, Éric Abidal is leading the search, and has found a gem of a talent in Ferland Mendy. The 23-year old French left-back is already similar to Abidal in many respects. But now, he is faced with the same career choice as the club legend.

Mendy made the move from Ligue 2 side Le Havre last season, and has made 68 appearances in all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 7 assists. The youngster has shone under Bruno Génésio, and looks to be the next first-team left-back at Barça.

Abidal is set to begin negotiations with Lyon over a summer move for Mendy. His contract has a release clause of €35 million, but Barça are looking to negotiate a fee that is lower than that. But if Ferland Mendy does join the club, he will be the true successor to Éric Abidal.

It is highly likely that his future will be determined by his performances against Barça in the Champions League last 16. Mendy will face Lionel Messi in both the legs and his handling of the situation, as well as his attacking prowess, will be tested.

Barça et to bring in yet another young Brazilian defender. dark. Next

If Mendy manages to convince Ernesto Valverde by making life difficult for Lionel Messi, then he is the man for Barça.