Barcelona star took only ‘a few training sessions’ to convince boss Hansi Flick

A member of the midfield ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona wasted little time in convincing new head coach Hansi Flick of his readiness to contribute at the club for the season ahead.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Oriol Romeu as the player in question.

Spaniard Romeu is of course fresh off something of an underwhelming first season back in the colours of Barcelona.

Brought in as a cut-price replacement for the departing Sergio Busquets, the 32-year-old enjoyed a productive start to life in Xavi’s squad.

However, as the months passed, Romeu fell heavily out of favour, to the point that defender Andreas Christensen was pushed into a role in the middle of the park in his place.

The widespread assumption, in turn, was long that Romeu was set to be moved on this summer.

Recent weeks, however, have seen claims mount that, in fact, the one-time Southampton man is increasingly likely to stay put for the season ahead.

And as much, on Monday, has been reiterated by Mundo Deportivo.

Amid further confirmation that Barcelona recently rebuffed an offer from Serie A heavyweights Napoli for Romeu, it is explained that:

‘Hansi Flick was quick to give the thumbs up to Oriol Romeu’s continuation. He only needed a few training sessions to give the Ulldecona midfielder the OK.’

So, what proved decisive in convincing Flick of the Spaniard’s readiness to play his part?

According to MD, his ‘positional play, his power and his experience’.

Conor Laird | GSFN