Barcelona: Why Adriano Deserves New 4-Year Contract at Camp Nou

Barcelona have been making waves in the transfer market early on this summer, but just as important to the club is retaining the stars already present.

The latest name to commit his future to the club is defender Adriano Correia, who has signed a four-year deal to stay at Camp Nou until 2017, as confirmed by the official club website.

The 27-year-old played 23 league games this season and was an important part of the team as it built up a fantastic early lead at the top of La Liga, leading to another championship title being secured.

Tying Adriano down to a new long-term contract was an important piece of business on the part of the club and was very much deserved on the part of the player.

Here's why Adriano has become an entirely useful and important part of the playing staff at the Camp Nou.

Consistent Good-Quality Performances

In terms of his consistency, this season Adriano has been one of the better performers in the Barcelona defensive line.

While the defensive side of the squad as a whole has struggled with injury, Adriano was a consistent member of the team, filling in where necessary early on. Later in the season he had his own fitness issues, but more often than not he could be found putting in top-class displays wherever he has played and providing a platform for the midfield to build from.

As always, his ability to break forward has been an important tactical element in Barcelona's play.

Positive Effect at Both Ends of the Pitch

While it's a case of defence-first with Adriano, he has certainly made a telling contribution at the other end of the pitch.

He started the campaign in excellent form in front of goal, scoring five times before the winter break as his team completed the first half of the season unbeaten. He averages similar shots and dribbles per game to Dani Alves and claimed one assist. A 90.6 percent pass completion rate is similarly impressive.

Defensively he has been sound, averaging 2.2 tackles and three clearances each game, good enough to be in the top-five of the club for each statistic.

Versatility and Commitment to the Team Cause

It's not just his on-the-ball ability that marks Adriano out as an important part of the squad, but his mental strength is outstanding too.

Ostensibly signed as an attacking full-back, the Brazilian has played on both sides of defence this season as well as in the centre. This ability—and willingness—to play a variety of roles has, of course, increased his potential game time, but it has also meant the coaches know they can call on him in any circumstance to put in a professional performance.

Adriano is willing to put the team before himself, an important characteristic in an effective squad player, and still puts in good performances whenever and wherever he is needed.

Experience and Continuity Important as Team Progresses

Despite comfortably winning La Liga this season, Barcelona did not hit the heights expected of them for the entire campaign and were soundly thrashed by Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Summer acquisitions are both a necessity and imminent, but amid the restrengthening, the club needs to also maintain an element of security and continuity.

Players such as Adriano bring plenty of both, given he has settled well at the club after moving from Sevilla and has made himself an important part of the side.

Of course, the players who have come through the Barcelona youth system are an element apart in this regard; barring being unable to force their way into the first team they will remain at the club for years, but those brought in as signings from elsewhere provide the biggest turnover in the playing staff. Not all of them, first team or squad members, can be sold and replaced so easily, and Adriano has shown that he is an indispensable member of the side and will be for seasons to come.

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