Gomes was a member of Portugal's European
Championship-winning team, taking home the
trophy despite a rather disappointing overall
showing in the tournament. This was after a
below-par campaign with Valencia, playing 30
games and managing three goals on the
season. Linked to Real Madrid and Juventus
before the tournament, Barcelona swooped to
secure the center-midfielder's signing, adding
yet another young jewel to their Blaugrana
crown.
Gomes is a rangy box-to-box midfielder,
capable of playing on the wing, but best suited
through the center with freedom to sweep up
and down the field at will. Blessed with a great
engine, elegant skill on the ball, and the ability
to pick a pass, Gomes is raw, but has the
potential to become one of Europe's best all-
around midfielders.
Andre Gomes of Portugal challenges Marcelo
Brozovic during the Euro 2016 round of 16
football match between Croatia and Portugal
Anadolu Images
At 6 feet 1 inch, Gomes is a threat in the air,
but thrives with the ball on the floor, using his
superb technique and dribbling ability to
bamboozle defenders. An intelligent player,
Gomes should fit right in with Barcelona's
style, though he does have some maturation
ahead of him to truly be at the level Nou Camp
traditionally expects.
With an aging midfield and Arda Turan likely
on his way out of the club, Gomes' signing
provides much-needed depth, and he'll battle
Ivan Rakitic for a starting spot in Barcelona's
three-man midfield. His versatility will benefit
the Blaugrana as well, able to line up in any of
five midfield spots, or even as a striker in a
real pinch.
Grade: B+
At 22 years old, Gomes represents another
exclamation point on Barcelona's clear
statement this summer: they're getting
younger, and they're not afraid to spend the
money intelligently to sign players that will
take them into the future. Gomes may be a bit
overpriced at €40 million, but in today's
market, a few extra million is just the cost of
doing business.
Posted Africa News Sports
Chapisha Maoni