Following Gerard Pique’s departure and Barcelona’s inability to sign in the winter transfer market, the burden of reinforcing the central back position has rested on the shoulders of La Masia talent Chadi Riad.
The Catalans, who had considered entering the transfer market for a Pique replacement, recently opted to take a closer look at home and according to a trustworthy source, Xavi is convinced that Riad is the man who will fill in the centre back position for the second half of the season.
Chadi Riad is a 19-year-old who has been a standout among grassroots football players. His excellence with the La Masia has gotten the attention of senior team manager Xavi. He is a Moroccan Under-20 international who has demonstrated the right strength, attitude, and mentality.
Xavi has been impressed and convinced that Chadi Riad will fit into the squad, citing that defender is one of many qualities. Some distinctive qualities are his size, good positioning, aggression, and force which have made the manager believe that he is a crucial player for the job at Barcelona.
Chadi Riad will be Xavi’s fifth defender and will be used in any case the club requires him. This move hereby relieves the strain of acquiring a new signing. The club envisions Riad to be constantly improving and believes that he will be able to move to the first-team level in the future.