Barcelona defensive target makes a solid impression on national team debut

Barcelona defensive target makes a solid impression on national team debut In the last few weeks, it has been reported that Barcelona are keeping a close eye on one of Brazil’s emerging defensive talents, with Arthur Dias attracting attention. The 19-year-old left-footed centre-back currently plays for Athletico Paranaense and has become one of the more interesting young defenders on the Brazilian scene.  Barcelona have already taken concrete steps to assess him, with club scout Joao Amaral travelling to Curitiba to watch Dias against Bahia. Adding to the defender’s case, his emergence for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti has only strengthened the case for Barça to continue monitoring his development. Barcelona scout Brazilian defender in person Dias is understood to be attracting interest from several European clubs, meaning Barcelona are unlikely to have a clear run at the teenager. As reported before, Tottenham Hotspur, Como, Newcastle United and Benfica are also keeping tabs on the defender, with Spurs already testing Athletico Paranaense’s resolve.  Athletico Paranaense rejected an offer from Tottenham Hotspur for Arthur Dias. (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Getty Images) The Brazilian club rejected a Tottenham proposal during the summer, which shows just how highly they value their young centre-back. Barcelona’s interest is particularly intriguing because Dias fits a profile the club has increasingly looked for in defence: a naturally left-footed centre-back capable of progressing the ball and operating on either side of the central defensive pairing. Despite being left-footed, Dias has developed a level of technical comfort that allows him to perform effectively with both feet.  Arthur Dias impresses Carlo Ancelotti Dias’ rise took another major step forward when Ancelotti handed him his Brazil debut during the recent international window. The defender made a brief appearance against Australia before playing 61 minutes in Brazil’s 4-0 win over India, partnering Marquinhos in central defence.  He operated on the left side with confidence and handled what little defensive pressure came his way. Arthur Dias, a Barcelona target, made his Brazil debut under Ancelotti. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images) Ancelotti was clearly impressed by what he saw from the teenager. “He did well. He’s a footballer I didn’t know, and I really liked what I saw from him.  “In Brazil we have a future despite the criticism that there is,” Ancelotti said, as per SPORT . That endorsement could further accelerate Dias’ development and his value in the transfer market. For Barcelona, however, the encouraging part is that their scouting network was already watching him before his latest international exposure.  With Dias now beginning to attract a growing list of European suitors, Barça will hope their early interest can give them an advantage in what could become a major transfer battle.