Hansi Flick to follow the Xavi blueprint for one Barcelona star’s place in his XI

A fresh insight into the plans of Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick for a leading member of his defensive ranks has on Tuesday been forthcoming online.

The info comes courtesy of Mundo Deportivo, and surrounds Andreas Christensen.

Stopper Christensen of course enjoyed something of an unusual campaign in Catalunya’s capital last time out.

This came as a personnel crisis in the middle of the park culminated in the Danish international being pushed forward from his berth at the heart of defence, into a role at the base of midfield.

Christensen, to his credit, performed admirably in the position, widely hailed for going about his business with little fuss, whilst adding some much-needed defensive solidity to Barca’s engine room.

And as much, it would appear, proved enough to convince his new manager of the merits of Christensen continuing in such a role for the season ahead.

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo:

‘Andreas Christensen (28 years old) can continue playing as a pivot, ahead of the defence, under Hansi Flick.’

The German tactician is understood to have rewatched a number of his new club’s fixtures from last season, with Christensen in midfield.

And he could not help but be impressed with the efforts of the former Chelsea man on both sides of the ball.

It is in turn concluded that:

‘This circumstance, together with the fact that for now the Barça coach cannot use other midfielders in that position, such as the injured Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, gives Christensen the option of continuing to play as a midfielder under 
Flick.’

Conor Laird | GSFN