Given Barcelonas defensive frailties, it is no surprise that number one on this list is another centre back. Aymeric Laporte has been arguably the young player of the year in Spain, thriving in an Athletic Bilbao side which finds itself on the brink of Champions League qualification. Like Hummels, Laporte is a tall defender who likes to play out from the back. His style suits the Catalan giants perfectly and, at 19 years of age, their is scope for him to grow and learn more under the clubs guidance. Interest in Laporte is understandably high, with Champions League holders Bayern Munich also interested in securing his services. Premier League clubs will also be weighing up a bid for the central defender, who has the physical prowess to cope in England. With a buy-out clause of around £30million, it appears as though Laporte will have some decisions to make this summer. Several clubs may meet the clauses price and at that point it will be down to him to decide where he wants to play his football next year. Barcelona will be hoping that the allure of the Camp Nou and their stylish football is enough to tempt him.
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.
