Barcelona Turn Their Attention To Italian Midfield Marvel: What Will Add To The Team?

Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Inter Milan’s Stefano Sensi, who is currently on loan from Sassuolo.

The 24-year-old midfielder was signed from Inter earlier this year on loan with the Italian club having the option to buy him at the end of the contract.

According to Sport, the Catalans could make a move for him in January, if they sell one or both of Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic.

Sensi’s agent is reportedly in Barcelona which has sparked rumours that he may have discussions with the La Liga leaders for a move to Barcelona.

The report states that Barcelona could be interested in an exchange deal with Inter which could see Rakitic or Vidal move to the Italian club and Sensi move in the other direction.

Sensi has had a great start to his Inter Milan career, scoring 3 times and making 4 assists in his 7 league appearances for the club. He came through the ranks at Cesena before making the switch to Sassuolo in 2016 and then the move to Inter in the summer transfer window.

He has also represented the Italian national team on four occasions, making his debut in 2018 and scoring a goal.

What will Sensi add to Barcelona?

Sensi is a diminutive midfielder who has vision and great passing range, as well as the technique and intelligence to dictate the tempo of the game from midfield.

The 24-year-old likens his game to Barcelona legend Xavi, and he has several traits that the Spaniard had, which has possibly attracted Barcelona.

The Italian is a player with great control of the ball, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or further forward as an attacking midfielder.

He has averaged 1.9 key passes per game this season in the league for Inter, as well as 3.1 long balls per game. Sensi has also chipped in with a few goals this season, scoring thrice in the league, and averaging 2.3 shots per game.

Despite his small stature, Sensi contributes defensively as well, averaging 1.6 tackles per game this season. He may be similar to Arthur and Frenkie de Jong in the way he controls the game and his technical ability, but he has energy in midfield to pick a team up when their down.

Rakitic and Vidal now in the wrong side of their 30s, so Barcelona need younger midfielders to replace the two, and Sensi is one of the few additions that could be made in midfield.