Gerard Pique isn't the most popular man in the Barcelona team.
Lining up in the Clasico away to Real Madrid two weeks ago, the centre-back was responsible for the home side's equaliser through Cristiano Ronaldo via the penalty spot. It may have been harsh to criticise; it's one of those situations - where Pique was supposed to place his arm? The detractors will simply say 'don't go to ground like that in the penalty area'. Oh, and Ronaldo's goal ended Claudio Bravo's clean sheet record, which he had held for all La Liga games this season up until El Clasico. Another stick with which to beat the Barcelona defender.
Barcelona didn't make a great splash in the transfer market during the summer with their central defensive signings, but, after bringing in Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen, they're in a much more assured position to contemplate the idea of a future without Pique; some sections of the support would clearly be happy to see him leave.
The Barcelona man's loss of form can be attributed to one thing: the loss of Carles Puyol alongside him. Of course, there may be other factors in play here, but Pique's drop in overall quality coincided with Puyol’s long-term injury worries just prior to his retirement. Without the former Barcelona captain, there is no one to ensure Pique remains switched on throughout a game, to ensure he stays focused and doesn’t get carried away with recklessness.
Physically, and certainly for the modern game, Pique is exactly the kind of player top clubs will want, especially those who look to build from the back and retain possession. Pique is good on the ball and he's quick, but he also has the strength and height to handle himself in an environment like the Premier League.
A return to Manchester United has been mooted. Louis van Gaal needs defensive reinforcements and, as mentioned, Barcelona wouldn't suffer a great deal without him. Mathieu and Javier Mascherano are, for now, Luis Enrique's preferred pair - unless they’re playing Real Madrid.
But with United having lost Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand this summer, what they're desperately in need of at this time is leadership at the back, and Pique isn't the man to provide that.
His CV is glittering: league titles in England and Spain, three Champions League trophies, two Copa del Reys, two European championships, a World Cup, and numerous super cups; he's won the lot. On most occasions, that is exactly the calibre of player United would want to add to their back line.
The physical attributes are all there, but mentally Pique is far too big a gamble. This could be one of those instances whereby a move away from his current club will see him spark back into life. There is an obvious expectation of him at the Camp Nou based on what he produced while Pep Guardiola was in charge. At United, he'd be given the chance of a fresh start. Sure, La Liga isn't that far from English eyes; Barcelona's games are broadcast every week. But there could be a higher tolerance for Pique if he were to return to Old Trafford. At 27, he should be entering his best years as a centre-back.
At this time, there is a degree of uncertainty surrounding Pique and his future as one of Europe's high-profile defenders. It could go either way. Manchester United are not in a position where they can afford to wait on Pique, based on the scenario whereby they buy him and he eventually comes good after some time.
What is United's first-choice centre-back pairing? What is their best combination? There doesn't really seem to be one definitive answer. Pique, on current form, won't change that. His reputation in the game and a possible large transfer fee may warrant a starting spot at Old Trafford, but look at it this way: Pique is currently below a converted left-back and a defensive midfielder in the Barcelona central defensive pecking order.
- Source: Eurosport
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