Do you remember Marc Muniesa?
The centre-back, who was destined to become the next Carles Puyol, hasn't yet turned 30 but his player career is unlikely to revive one day.
First of all, here are the 5 criteria he boasted to become Puyol's heir.
- Height: Like Puyol, Muniesa isn't among the tallest centre-backs - 1.8m compared to Carles' 1.78m.
- Versatility: Сapable of playing at centre-back, left-back and as a sweeper defender.
- Strength and aerial dominance: All present.
- Set-piece threat: Yes. Netted 4 goals in 81 apps at Barca B.
- Bonus: Muniesa is very vocal on the pitch, just like the Barcelona legend.
Now let's take a look at where it all went wrong for him.
2002-2009: Enjoys his first steps made as a La Masia player.
2009: Gets promoted to Barcelona B, makes debut first-team appearance.
2011: Makes 2 appearances in the Champions League, one in La Liga.
2012: Sidelined after suffering an ACL injury (one of the toughest to recover from in football).
2013: Forced to leave the club FOR FREE after recovering from injury.
2013-2018: Joins Stoke City but never turns into a regular starter for the Premier League side that gets relegated in 2018.
2017-2019: Spends two seasons with Girona in the Spanish top flight; first as a Stoke loanee, then as a full-time Girona player.
2019-present: Joins Qatari side Al-Arabi for €1.2m.
Basically, one injury ruined his whole career. With all due respect, it's hard to call Javier Mascherano and Marc Bartra equivalent replacements for Carles Puyol, so Marc Muniesa might've been the one if not for that setback.
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