Xavi could turn to Barcelona defensive mainstay as an option for pivot midfield role

Even though the January transfer window is still months away, the rumour mill is already abuzz with reports of Barcelona planning to enter the market for reinforcements.

The Blaugrana had a largely successful summer transfer window but are understood to be on the lookout for a new pivot midfielder to supplement summer signing Oriol Romeu.

As such, the La Liga champions have identified several options for the position, including World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez and UEFA Euro 2020 champion Jorginho, among others.

But Barcelona are also looking for in-house solutions for the position in case there is an emergency or if they are unable to sign a player in January.

Andreas Christensen an option for Xavi

To that end, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Xavi and the rest of the Barcelona technical staff see defensive mainstay Andreas Christensen as an option to double up in the pivot midfield role when necessary.

The Danish international arrived at the club last year and has become a key part of the team, although he has had a dodgy start to the new campaign due to some muscular discomfort.

In the past, Christensen has played as a No. 6 with Chelsea’s youth sides as well as the first team, while he also essayed the role on a couple of occasions when on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Barcelona technical staff believe that Christensen has the physical attributes to deal with aerial balls and possesses the defensive nous to cut out threats from developing through the centre of the park.

As such, Xavi could turn to Christensen as an emergency pivot, especially given that Pedri is currently injured and he needs Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan in the interior midfield positions.