Barcelona’s Xavi Calls Up Promising Defender Chadi Riad Amid Injury Crisis

"We have been following him since last season. He is an excellent central defender, he has size, he is aggressive, he has a good level of play," said Xavi Hernandez about Chadi Riad, during the pre-match press conference against Celta de Vigo this Sunday.

The Barça coach opted for the central defender of Moroccan origin to make up for the absences of the injured Christensen, Koundé and Araujo, reports Sport. Chadi Riad, 19, is one of the most promising players on Barça’s reserve team. The young Moroccan has the opportunity to play for the first team in an official La Liga match, after playing a few minutes in the friendly matches.