Why targeting Kimmich would do a world of good for Barcelona

Mundo Deportivo (h/t Fox Sports) suggests that Barcelona are interested in Bayern Munich right-back Joshua Kimmich.

The Catalonia side must solve their defensive issues ahead of the new season and with that in mind, a move for Kimmich does make sense.

Kimmich, meanwhile, has matured into one of the top players for the Bavarian giants since arriving from VfB Stuttgart in 2015.

The German international is a regular for Bayern side and has 189 appearances to his name. His tally of 18 goals and 45 assists across all competitions over a period of five years, however, makes him extra special.

Despite being a defender, the fact that he can score and assist makes him a potent threat in the Bayern line-up.

Clearly blessed with effective attacking skills, Kimmich has been quite impressive this year also. So far, he has scored one goal and assisted five times for the Munich side across all competitions.

A regular for Germany, Kimmich’s attacking instincts have seen him being deployed in the midfield by German coach Joachim Low.

The versatile player has made 48 appearances for the national side, scoring 3 times and assisting 13 so far.

Barcelona, however, have made a rather disappointing start, as they lost a few matches initially in the season. However, they are currently at the top of the La Liga table.

Defensively, the Catalans have not been the best, having conceded 16 goals in 13 league games this season.

The Catalonians must improve their defence if they wish to retain their league title, as rivals Real Madrid are looming close in second place.

Barcelona, at present, have just two right-backs their squad – Nelson Semedo and Moussa Wague.

Semedo has been a regular for Barcelona for quite some time now and has done a decent job. However, his lack of attacking intent has been evident this season, as the Portuguese is yet to score or assist a single goal so far.

Wague, on the other hand, is still young and inexperienced. Hence, Barcelona’s interest in the versatile Kimmich does not come as a surprise.

Verdict

Kimmich’s attacking abilities and versatility would go hand in hand with Barcelona’s philosophy.

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Hence, the talented Kimmich would be a good option for manager Ernesto Valverde.