How Center Back Competition Is Bringing Back the Best Side of Gerard Pique

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has received immense criticism over the past few years due to his struggling performances for the Catalan club. The 27-year-old has been at the forefront of the defensive issues, and it was clear that the club had to do something to stop the bleeding.

Ever since Carles Puyol’s time as a regular starter came to an end, Pique hasn’t been the same player. Once considered one of the best center backs in the game, the Catalan quickly became the focus of negativity for the Blaugrana.

However, the days of Pique’s struggles may have finally come to an end. With fresh competition at center back, as well as Luis Enrique’s new tactics, he is starting to look like his normal self.

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

When it really comes down to it, competition has been the biggest factor in Pique returning to form.

Under Tito Vilanova and Tata Martino, Pique was basically guaranteed a starting role regardless of how he was playing. That type of mentality can easily cause a player to become lazy and stop pushing for constant improvement.

The lack of having to fight for a spot may be what caused Pique’s poor form. He did not have to prove himself to remain a starter and thus there was no need for improvement.

But all of that is much different this season.

The additions of Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen sent a clear message that improving the defense is the main priority. To take it a step further, Enrique immediately repaid Mathieu’s hard work by playing the defender early and often, forcing Pique to fight for a consistent spot in the lineup.

Javier Mascherano’s good form also pushed Pique to the bench, where he has spent most of the season. The competition at center back is as strong as ever, and Pique is finally being forced to fight.

David Ramos/Getty Images

So far, the 27-year-old has only featured in five matches this season according to WhoScored.com. While he certainly hasn’t played as much as he would have hoped, Pique has put on brilliant performances when he has featured for the Catalan club.

To this point, he is averaging two tackles per game and nearly four interceptions, something he has struggled with recently. The defender is also averaging nearly six clearances per game and is only getting beat off the dribble 0.5 times per match, another strong statistic, per WhoScored.com.

When he has seen time on the pitch, he has been the leader that Barcelona always hoped he would be. Pique is becoming a verbal captain in the back line and appears much more focused than in previous years.

On top of his newfound maturity, Pique is also playing at a very high level. He is passing the ball well and reading the game better than the last three seasons, and his decision-making has also stepped up quite a bit.

Some could even say that we are finally seeing the Pique of a few years ago, although that remains to be determined with it being so early in the new season.

Daniel Tejedor/Associated Press

For sure, having competition and being forced to fight for his place in the squad has brought Pique back to good form. He has matured a lot since the World Cup in Brazil, and it is paying off big time for Barca.

There truly is no way of knowing if this strong form is here to stay or if it's just a minor peak under a new manager, but for the time being fans should certainly be excited about what Pique has showed on the pitch to this point.

No one can deny that Barcelona’s defense has improved greatly this season. Perhaps the competition has brought out the best in Pique and the other defenders, or maybe Enrique’s new tactics are the real answer. Either way, Cules can finally say that the defense is looking strong for the first time in years.

Gerard Pique is not the same player he was last year. He has stepped up significantly, and it is hard to ignore that. If the La Masia graduate keeps this up, he may play a big role in Barcelona’s success this season.

Has the competition at Barcelona brought back the real Gerard Pique? Is his poor form finally a thing of the past? Leave your thoughts and comments below!