Barcelona Reportedly Want Marcos Alonso as Long-Term Gerard Pique Replacement

Barcelona are reportedly considering Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso as a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique. 

According to Goal's Nizaar Kinsella, Barca believe Alonso has the "height, ball skills and tactical awareness" to fit in at the Camp Nou, but rather than in his traditional position on the left, he would fill Pique's boots at centre-back.

Pique turned 31 in February, and so the club appear to be evaluating their long-term options with the view of eventually replacing him when the time comes that he can no longer be part of their first-choice pairing.

Given the positional change required of Alonso to be that candidate, he would not be an obvious option.

The Spaniard played a handful of games at centre-back with Fiorentina, but he typically operates as a left-back or left wing-back, the role he has thrived in at Chelsea.

It is the advanced position that plays to his attacking strengths as a creative outlet who can also score goals, both from set pieces and open play.

The 27-year-old has contributed seven goals and four assists to the Blues in all competitions this season, and in the Premier League he has created 34 chances in 31 appearances, according to Squawka.

His efforts saw him named in the PFA's Team of the Year:

Kinsella and GianlucaDiMarzio.com's David Amoyal are admirers of his:

Alonso's aerial ability would translate well if he were to move to a central role, though his pace is an issue, and he isn't always the most convincing defensively, particularly in one-on-one situations.

It's difficult to imagine getting the best out of him as a centre-back, though, as it would largely preclude him from utilising his skills going forward.

As for free-kicks, which he could still take whatever position he's deployed in, Barca are already covered on that front thanks to Lionel Messi, so his opportunities there might be limited also.

That said, Pique should still be capable of operating at a high level for at least another season or two.

If the Blaugrana are certain they want Alonso rather than a natural centre-back and manage to sign him this summer, he could be used as cover in the centre to allow him time to adapt to the new role, as well as playing on the left when Pique and Samuel Umtiti are on the pitch.