Forgotten man Umtiti starring for Barca again

He's a World Cup winner and one of Europe's most talented defenders. He joined Barcelona almost five years ago at the age of 22. Samuel Umtiti should be a key player and a priceless defensive presence by all accounts, but numerous injuries have made his last seasons a living nightmare. Thankfully, he seems to have turned a corner and is finally looking forward again.

The Cameroon-born French international played the full 90 minutes in two La Liga matches in January, which hasn't happened in a while. He has missed a total of 83 games since joining the club due to persistent knee problems. In August 2020 he was unlucky to contract the coronavirus and yet another knee injury that kept him out of action until early December. He only completed 20 minutes of league football along with 35 minutes of Barca's 3-0 home capitulation against Juventus in the Champions League before the turn of the year.

What's changed? For once, Umtiti has changed the way he's training and has shed around 4 kilos of mass. Now there is less strain on his knees while he is leaner and more agile. A change of diet has also been implemented in his daily routine. He is a changed man, determined to repay the faith put in him all those years ago when Barcelona paid Lyon $25 million to secure his signature.

To return to full fitness, Samuel has followed a rigorous work plan. He trains twice a day at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva. He worked under a specific set of guidelines set by fitness and physiotherapy specialists. Special focus was placed on strengthening his quadriceps and hamstrings to avoid further knee problems. Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman welcomed the Frenchman back in the team and was impressed with the feedback. He is now counting on Umtiti to reclaim his place in the heart of defence.

Umtiti won the World Cup in 2018 (©Reuters)

Naturally, there will be still some uncertainty when it comes to Samuel's fitness. The player himself has had to show immense mental strength to make his comeback. He succeeded in keeping a positive outlook on his life and career. He's doing everything he can to remain available for selection as his team tries to catch up with La Liga's runaway leaders Atletico Madrid.

It's worth noting that Barcelona haven't conceded in the games against Granada and Elche in which Umtiti played. There were rumours about a possible loan switch that would see him regain his match sharpness at a different club, but Koeman seems to have faith in the defender's progress.

Still, the Camp Nou club has been struggling with this area of the team in the previous seasons and is looking to give their coach more options. It's been reported that they might try to bring back Eric Garcia from Manchester City. The 20-year-old centre-back's contract expires in June, which could mean that Barca could get him on the cheap.

COPA DEL REY ROUND OF 16

Tuesday

Real Valladolid - Levante 2-4

/Villa 13, Weissman 65 - Bardhi 23, Malsa 45, Coke 59, Morales 80 pen/

Girona - Villareal 0-1

/Pino 19/

Real Betis - Real Sociedad 3-1 AET

/Canales 78, Borja Iglesias 96, 111/

Wednesday

21.00: (1.55) Sevila (3.80) Valencia (5.90)

23.00: (7.00) Rayo Vallecano (4.40) Barcelona (1.40)

23.00: (2.75) Almeria (2.80) Osasuna (2.75)

Thursday

21.00: (5.90) Navalcarnero (3.60) Granada (1.57)

23.00: (4.70) Alcoyano (3.35) Athletic Bilbao (1.757)

*** odds are subject to change