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When Mathieu Valbuena’s technical skills impressed all sorts of scouts in France, he decided to stay in his home-town team, Bordeaux. After spending some a whopping 10 years in Bordeaux’s youth team, he was let go, after being deemed too short to play football. But, after having successful seasons with his present club, Marseille, he’s targeted by Barcelona, who are watching the player from above. Deservedly, the player has become France’s official number 10, after making his debut against Costa Rica, in which he scored his first international goal.
But, how did a young and small Valbuena made the grade again to one of France’s biggest clubs? When he was released from Bordeaux, he had two choices, either hang up his boots, or keep battling in out. The latter, is the decision that Valbuena did, but he didn’t even play in Ligue 2, as he featured in the regional fifth division. However, when he signed for Langong-Casets, they only trained two or three times a week, the 5 ft and 6 inches player stood tall, and practiced during his own time. After a year, he jumped two leagues up, to Libourne where he stayed put for a couple of seasons.
After some years in Libourne, Valbuena received two offers, from Stade Rennes and Olympique Marseille. The player chose to wear the blue colors of Marseille and his decision turned out even better than he hoped for. But, his debut season did not kick start as well, as the current manager Albert Emon, decided to use the same players over and over again. But, when Albert Emon was sacked, the new manager, Eric Gerets, gave Valbuena a chance against Liverpool in 2007, and Valbuena scored a late winner, duly earning that MoTM award. Since then, the player hasn’t looked back, shining for Marseille and France, earning interest from Barcelona.
For a team that has the likes of Fabregas, Xavi and Iniesta as their main three playmakers, Valbuena could find himself as a replacement for the recently departed Thiago, or change his position to winger, and challenge Alexis Sanchez, Neymar, Cristian Tello, Ibrahim Afellay and Isaac Cuenca. However, we will see if Barcelona’s new manager, Gerardo Martino will continue the 4-3-3 philosophy implemented by Pep Guardiola. But, the transfer looks unlikely now, as Gerardo Martino is searching for a suitable heir for the ageing Carles Puyol.
Without one of their star men, Valbuena’s departure would be harsh on the club, as he see few playmakers do, opportunities. The player as well has his fair share of goals, scoring over 30 goals during his stint at the club.
