Oscar Mingueza highlights one ‘big difference’ transforming €60m Barcelona star this season | OneFootball

Oscar Mingueza had a very interesting career at FC Barcelona. Never one to be touted for greatness during his time with La Masia, it was injuries that paved the way for the center-back’s entry into the first team under Ronald Koeman.

Mingueza started his career at the Catalan club as a central defender before transitioning into a right-back. He was always solid but never spectacular. Under Ronald Koeman, he had a significant role but Xavi Hernandez had different ideas.

The Spanish tactician did not rate Mingueza and placed him on the transfer list with Celta Vigo snapping him up. The 25-year-old has grown leaps and bounds at the La Liga club and established himself as one of the best right-backs in La Liga.

Mingueza has now made it to the third successive squad list named by Luis de la Fuente, although he is yet to make his first appearance under the Euros-winning coach. Interestingly, technically, he has one Spain cap, which he got back in 2021, playing for the U21s in a game that was considered a senior cap.

Mingueza has now given an interview as quoted by SPORT, and has spoken on various topics among which one was on the upturn in form in Raphinha’s game. Here is what the ex-Barcelona player had to say:

“It’s worth highlighting how Raphinha is performing, everything is going well for him, and how much he runs and defends, it’s great news for Barça. The big difference with Raphinha this year is that they don’t substitute him as quickly as last year, they no longer take him off at the 60th minute, and this way you play more relaxed throughout the match.”

What Mingueza mentions is actually a very valid point. The ability to play without the cloud hanging over one’s head of substitution could help bring the best out of a player and that could be one of the main factors Raphinha looks like a player reborn under Hansi Flick.

Raphinha has been one of the best attackers in Europe so far this season. In 17 games across all competitions this season, the €60m-rated Brazilian has 12 goals and 10 assists and has emerged as one of Flick’s most important players in the team. It is not surprising that Mingueza has been impressed by him.

It is worth mentioning here that Mingueza has been linked with a return to Barcelona for some time now. The club needs reinforcement in that position to rotate with Jules Kounde and what better way than bringing a former player who is also a La Masia graduate?

It remains to be seen how Mingueza’s career plays out going forward. It is through sheer dedication and hard work that he has reached where he has in his career and one can only hope his path crosses with Barcelona’s some time in the future.