Braithwaite’s Barcelona dream turning into a nightmare

There’s been an awful lot going on at the Camp Nou just lately, with the Lionel Messi situation and the vote of no confidence for president, Josep Maria Bartomeu and his board hogging the headlines.

Everywhere you turn there’s something else for Barca’s long-suffering supporters to get hot under the collar about.

However, there’s one player that’s kept his own counsel.Who has just gone about his business in the most professional way possible, working hard and waiting for another opportunity to show what he’s about.

With Luis Suarez having left Barcelona, an expectation that Martin Braithwaite might fill the void created by the Uruguayan’s departure wasn’t without foundation.

The Dane had shown himself to be adept at complementing his attacking colleagues in all situations and gave the Catalans something extra.

So talk of Memphis Depay coming in to replace Suarez is sure to antagonise Braithwaite, despite his calm and considered demeanour.

Should the Dutchman arrive before the end of the summer window, where does that leave the Dane?

As a fifth or sixth choice? Any professional with any modicum of respect for themselves isn’t going to accept that.

The only realistic chance of playing would then be if all of Fati, Depay, Griezmann and Messi were all injured at he same time.

Braithwaite is old enough and experienced enough to know how football works, but if Barca don’t have a place for him other than to pad out the squad, as a matter of respect that should be communicated to him.

It would them give him the option to seek to move to pastures new or decide to fight for his place, knowing that it will be hugely difficult to influence Ronald Koeman’s thinking.

Indeed, what was a dream move for Braithwaite when he signed on from Leganes as emergency cover, is rapidly turning into a nightmare.

At least the player can hold his head high and look himself in the mirror, knowing he did everything asked of him and then some.

His way of working is an example to all young, aspiring footballers and, frankly, deserves its reward.

Martin Braithwaite is too good a professional to be sat on the bench at the Camp Nou, particularly as he will only have a few more years left at the top level.