Yerry Mina, the Colombian center-back, made a surprising departure from Barcelona in January 2019. The move left many fans puzzled and wondering why such a promising young player would leave one of the biggest clubs in the world. Let’s delve into the reasons behind Yerry Mina’s departure.
The Arrival at Barcelona
Yerry Mina joined Barcelona in January 2018 from Brazilian club Palmeiras. His arrival was met with excitement as he had showcased his defensive prowess during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and had also helped Colombia reach the quarterfinals in the tournament itself.
The Struggle for Playing Time
While expectations were high for Mina, he faced stiff competition at Barcelona due to the presence of Gerard Piqué and Samuel Umtiti, who formed a formidable central defensive partnership. With limited playing time, it became challenging for Mina to prove his worth and establish himself as a regular starter.
Injury Woes
Another factor that hindered Mina’s progress at Barcelona was his struggle with injuries. He missed several games due to fitness concerns, making it difficult for him to gain momentum and earn the trust of manager Ernesto Valverde.
Lack of Adaptation
Moving from South America to Europe can be a challenging transition for any player. For Yerry Mina, adapting to a new league, culture, and style of play proved to be difficult. The demands and expectations at Barcelona are extremely high, leaving little room for adjustment.
- Tactical Demands: Barcelona is known for its possession-based style of play which requires defenders to have exceptional technical skills. While Mina possessed physical attributes like strength and aerial ability, he struggled to match the tactical demands of Barcelona’s system.
- Language Barrier: Communication is crucial on the football pitch. Mina’s limited proficiency in Spanish may have hindered his ability to effectively communicate with teammates and understand tactical instructions.
The Everton Move
Yerry Mina’s departure from Barcelona resulted in a move to Everton, where he joined former Barcelona teammate Lucas Digne. The move offered Mina the opportunity for more playing time and a fresh start in the Premier League.
A New Beginning at Everton
At Everton, Mina has been able to showcase his defensive abilities and has become an integral part of their backline. With consistent playing time, he has gained confidence and is flourishing under manager Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance.
The Importance of Regular Playing Time
Mina’s decision to leave Barcelona was driven by his desire for regular playing time. At Everton, he has been able to establish himself as a key player and has thrived in a more prominent role.
In conclusion, Yerry Mina left Barcelona due to limited playing time, injury struggles, difficulties in adaptation, and the desire for regular first-team action. His move to Everton has allowed him to rediscover his form and fulfill his potential as a top-class defender.