Barcelona: Has Carles Puyol Become a Liability for Barcelona?

Several years ago it was universally understood that Carles Puyol was the heart and leader of the Barcelona defense as well as an irreplaceable captain. Fast-forward to today and the lion-hearted Catalan has worn down a bit.

Puyol has lost a great deal of his speed and pace and isn’t quite the one-on-one defender that he used to be.

On top of his aging ability, the Barcelona captain has also faced multiple injuries and does not stay healthy for long. From knee injuries to breaks and tears, the 35-year-old has faced it all.

Most recently the club announced on their official website that Puyol was set to undergo knee surgery in June to remove a cyst and would face four weeks of recovery time.

The situation with Puyol has forced Barcelona’s hand.

In a recent report from Goal.com, Miles Chambers quoted a press conference of Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova in which the issue of Puyol was addressed. The Catalan boss had these words to say about finding a replacement:

"We'll be looking for a player in that position - in the middle of defense. We hope Puyol recovers but we'll still be looking for a new player in that position. He's said he wants to play until he's 40 and I hope he does!"

It is clear to see that Barcelona is in dire need of a true center back capable of taking over for Puyol and leading the back line. But has the Blaugrana captain actually become a liability for the club?

There is no denying the will and determination of Puyol. He gives everything he has on the pitch and always wants to compete. But as great as his self-sacrifice is, it could also present problems for the club.

If the 35-year-old defender expects to be the first-choice performer in every big game, then he is hoping for something that cannot happen anymore.

Puyol must understand that he can no longer have the role he once did. While most players can perform admirably having matches every three or four days, it would be asking far too much from the Barcelona captain.

Though he cannot play every game, thy club may very well continue to rely on Puyol in the biggest matches of the season. That is where the term liability can actually be used.

Sadly, Carles Puyol is not the defender he once was. He can still lead a defense, but his legs and stamina are not what the once where, and it was easy to see this year that he actually cost the defense in several matches.

As shocking as it may be to hear, Puyol would be an absolute liability if—and only if—he is relied upon in the biggest games of the season.

However, calling Puyol a liability in general is completely unjustified.

No one can doubt the leadership of the captain. Whether on the pitch or off it, Puyol is a vocal leader who guides his teammates constantly. Due to his presence and heart, it would be hard to ever claim that Puyol could be a liability.

But the club and captain must come to terms with his new role.

If Puyol really wants to continue playing until he is 40, he will have to do so in the background. He is no longer the man to lead the club to trophies, but rather the locker-room presence that can compete in smaller matches throughout the year.

With Barcelona obviously in the market for a new center back it should be expected that Carles Puyol understands what his new role will be. If that role is indeed accepted, then the captain will continue to lead without allowing his age to hurt the defense.

So the simple answer to the question is "no." Carles Puyol is not a liability to Barcelona as long as Tito Vilanova does not count on utilizing him in ways similar to previous seasons.

It is time for Carles Puyol to take a step back knowing that doing so is in the best interest of the club. His leadership will still have a huge impact on Barcelona, but his days as the defensive wall are now in the rear-view mirror.

Is Carles Puyol now a liability for Barcelona? What will the captain’s role be in the coming season? Who can replace the Barcelona defender? Leave your thoughts and comments below.

 

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