In their hunt to sign a left-back during the summer, Barcelona were, at first, turned down flat by Raphael Guerreiro, so the player has claimed. Luis Enrique's side eventually completed the signing of Lucas Digne from Paris Saint-Germain, after the Frenchman had impressed during a loan spell at Roma last season. However, Guerreiro has insisted that he was their first choice, before he opted to snub a LaLiga move in favour of moving to the Westfalenstadion. "It was a very difficult decision for me to say no to Barcelona but it came at an important time when I had to choose between them and Borussia Dortmund," the Portugal international told Canal Plus France. "I needed to use this season in order to find consistency, develop as a player and play regularly. "I've been fortunate to get that in Germany and things are going well for me." Representatives of the former Lorient defender did meet with Barcelona officials but they were not the only major side that the 22-year-old rejected during the past year. "I did have an earlier offer from PSG but I decided to stay at Lorient in order to play as much as possible ahead of the European Championship with Portugal," he added. "It was a vital decision because it allowed me to win the tournament with a great group of players, but I'm very grateful for the interest of Barcelona and PSG."
Signed for 16.5 million euros from Paris Saint-Germain, it was thought that he would be 'one for the future.' Ditto the Catalans other new signings; Samuel Umtiti, Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes. Intestinal and muscle issues for Jordi Alba, and an in-game injury for his replacement Jeremy Mathieu meant that the young Frenchman would be seen much earlier than expected. And he certainly didn't disappoint. First to the ball on almost every occasion, his passing and movement oozed confidence and on the strength of his one-hour cameo, he may well have given Luis Enrique some food for thought. Asssured in possession, Digne looked every inch the Barcelona veteran and it's little wonder that his popularity has gone through the roof overnight. Mathieu is likely to be the fall guy if anyone, and the experienced defender will likely be rueing his luck again.
For some while now he has gone two steps forward only to go one back, injuries peppering the latter stages of his career. At this point it would be hard for him to accept being a third-choice, both in the central defensive and left-back positions, and those that suggest it could be the beginning of the end as far as his Blaugrana career is concerned might not be too far from the truth. Alba will need to take stock too. A short fuse has often let him down and suspensions have come about as much for his brushes with authority and disciplinary issues, as they have for the odd mistimed tackle or two. Continue along the same path and it opens the door for Digne to make the position his own.
The youngster should get another 90 minutes to impress on Wednesday as Enrique looks to keep his strongest XI to start the LaLiga campaign, rather than risking more injuries in a tie that's all over bar the shouting. It'll take a monumental effort for Jorge Sampaoli's Sevilla side to turn around the Supercopa at the Camp Nou, more so given that the only shot on target that they had in the first outing was as a result of a richochet. Denis Suarez should deputise again for injured captain Andres Iniesta and Umtiti might even get a run out at the expense of Javier Mascherano. If they do anywhere near as well as Digne, then Barcelona supporters need not worry. The club is in safe hands.
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