Former player makes case for Barcelona to sign Julian Alvarez alternative | OneFootball

Barcelona are continuing their search for a new striker, with efforts ongoing to replace the departing Robert Lewandowski. On the advice of Hansi Flick, sporting director Deco is working towards a deal for Julian Alvarez, although it will be difficult to get Atletico Madrid to part ways with their prized player.

As a result, alternatives must be considered, and one that has been linked to Barcelona in recent months is Joao Pedro. The Chelsea man is off the back of an impressive first season at Stamford Bridge, and according to former Blaugrana player Damià Abella (via Sport), he would be the ideal striker to sign this summer.

“Joao Pedro was a very young boy when I met him (at Watford), he was 18 or 19 years old. He helped us get promoted to the Premier League. He can play as a centre-forward, winger and attacking midfielder. He could work with another centre-forward next to him, but as a false nine he is perfect. Joao Pedro is technically very gifted. He has a lot of talent to solve actions of the game, he has a talent for passing, a talent for dribbling. he is very complete in all facets of the game.”

Flick would be “ideal manager” for Pedro

Abella believes that Pedro’s profile would excel in Flick’s system, while he also believes that the German coach would be the perfect manager for the Brazil international.

“He’s not a Lewandowski or Luis Suárez, he’s more like Patrick Kluivert or Firmino but more athletic to be able to run to the sides. He is in a perfect moment to go to Barça. He would have at least four or five years to perform at a high level.

“I think that a coach like Flick is the ideal one to manage him. With a coach with a strong hand and not knowing how to relate well to the players, he would have more difficulty performing because of his temperament. He is a player who needs a coach with a calm hand.”