Messi983
Senior Member
I think Masche will stay until WC 2018.
No doubt I'd promote Marlon and keep him as our 4th CB. I think he's good enough and would also get quite a lot minutes as Lucho clearly likes him. What I'm a bit more worried about is the depth after Pique, Masche, Umtiti and Marlon. If we again have injury problems next season like we had so far this season and 2 CBs are out, then who would be called up from B team? Yes, Tarin is there but who knows how he'll recover from his injury and Lucho (if he stays) doesn't seem to rate him much anyway.
So do we keep Mathieu (who I like but will he even stay healthy when we need him?) or Vermealen (he'll come back most likely but I have even less trust in him to stay injury free) as insurance for 5th CB. Are Martinez or Borja good enough for that role? Or do we try to find "another Marlon" for Barça B (especially if they are promoted) who could maybe get some first team minutes if needed. Or maybe we go for someone like Yerry Mina and keep 5 CBs? Although it would be hard to get enough minutes for all three younger players (Umtiti, Marlon, Mina) in that case. Another option is to buy versatile player (RB or DM most likely) who could play CB as well in emergency but based on rumours I don't think we are looking for that type of players.
Of course if Masche leaves next summer then I think we should buy someone as I don't think Marlon is experienced enough to be 3rd CB and I don't think either Mathieu or Vermaelen could still be reliable in that position either.
