By watching Samper’s games for Granada (thankfully he’s playing in a pivotal role now, which is great for his experience), you can easily tell Samper’s strengths and weaknesses.
When it comes to technique, passing, vision, basically everything you expect from a Barça player, Samper can do it. The way he’s constantly aware of everything behind and besides him when he gets the ball is magnificent. Thank God for the coaches of La Masia.
But he has defensive concerns, too. He does read the game nicely, but not when his team isn’t in position. He gets caught off guard often due to his defensive positioning, as seen at Osasuna’s goal, which is why I included it. He gets too lured in to getting the ball back that he takes a step too far wide and the Osasuna RB went around him and sent the ball in to Oriol Riera who finished.
So, the main question is: how can he fix this? Well, first of all, Samper has improved immensely in defense compared to his time at La Masia. Throughout Barça B he added physique and got better at positioning himself. He could’ve been on loan at a better place, but I think being in Granada is a good way to add to those defensive gains for Samper, especially since he can still continue to be a pivot (Granada recently refrained from an extreme defensive tactic that was toxic for Samper), controlling Granada’s midfield. Now, Samper will be pressured quite often in defensive positioning, which forces him to learn, something that wasn’t possible last season in Segunda B with Barça B where he was levels over everybody, opponents and teammates, while also being able to control a midfield, with both things being essential for a DM at Barça, for when he hopefully returns.
When he does (hopefully) returns, I think one man alone will help him improve his weaknesses significantly: Busquets. Playing next to Busquets every single day, week in, week out, will have a massive, positive effect on Samper’s flaws. Busquets defensively is literally everything Samper should strive to be. And it’s not like Samper isn’t actively trying to do a good defensive work, as seen in his games. For me, he needs a good mentor. Not only would he have Busquets, but Iniesta (who was once a DM with a small physical stature as well), too.
Let’s just hope for the best. The talent is there.
