Xavi Hernandez counts on Miralem Pjanic for the tour of the USA because he wants to follow closely what he can offer this season. Last season, he was on loan at Besiktas. Now, he has four friendlies ahead of him to satisfy his coach and earn himself an opportunity.
Since that unexpected swap deal with Arthur, Pjanic has not managed to be that important at Barcelona. But that has not closed the doors to him in Xavi Hernandez's first full season in charge. He called Pjanic up for the tour after giving him minutes against Olot and he will keep an eye on his performance.
The midfielder was loaned out last season to Besiktas. He was not needed last season and he will not be needed this term either if he does not show he can be useful in Xavi's style of play of one touch football. The matches he will have to shine in will be interesting: the opponents are Inter Miami, Real Madrid, Juventus and New York Red Bulls.
In principle, he has enough quality to please the coach, as shown in Barca's opening friendly which ended 1-1. On that occasion, he played in the second half. but him starting one of the upcoming games cannot be ruled out, especially because they are a test of his credentials.
His salary, which is around eight million euros a season, is the main stumbling block for him to continue at Barcelona. Joan Laporta's tight budget will force him to take drastic decisions to safeguard the registering of his signings so Pjanic must give it his all on this USA tour.