The ideal midfielder for Barcelona | Summer transfers

Barcelona has been linked with many midfielders including Thiago, Verrati and some time back even the Real Madrid midfielder Isco. In this article we will analyze who would be the perfect fit for Barcelona between the 2 most promising targets Thiago and Verrati. 

Let's look at them individually first. 

1) Thiago Alcantra 

The Bayern Munich midfielder has been phenomenal this season. He has played 19 Bundesliga games for Bayern this season notching up 5 MOTM awards. 

- League Stats per 90 Mins [rating out of 5]

Chances Created - 1.62 [3/5]

Dribbles - 2.13 [4/5]

Passes completed - 89.16 [5/5]
Pass completion - 90% [5/5]
Tackles won - 2.01 [4/5]
Interceptions - 4.98 [5/5] 
Overall Rating - 4.4

- Playstyle : Strong passing and presence in game. Good dribbling. Great defensive contribution. Good finishing. 

2) Marco Verrati

Verrati, who has been PSG's engine in the recent years  has started 14 Ligue 1 games winning 2 MOTM awards. 
- League Stats per 90 Mins [rating out of 5]

Chances Created - 1.98 [3.5/5]

Dribbles - 2.42 [4/5]

Passes completed - 89.16 [5/5]
Pass completion - 89% [5/5]
Tackles won - 2.79 [4.5/5]
Interceptions - 0.98 [2/5] 
Overall Rating - 4

-Playstyle : Strong passing and presence in the game. Good dribbling. Good with through balls. Likes to tackle. Commits fouls often.

Verdict : 
Thiago should be the ideal midfielder for Barcelona because 
1) Gives away less fouls. Barcelona are not very well with defending set pieces and giving away too many fouls can be dangerous.
2) Contributes more defensively. The new 3-4-3 formation means the midfielder needs to be stronger defensively and win the ball before the opponents cross their half. Thiago's interceptions can be very useful here.
3) Thiago was one of the La Masia's talent and knows how to play the Barcelona style of football.