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Thomas Vermaelen like a new Barcelona signing, says Terry Gibson

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Vermaelen gave Barcelona a 1-0 win over Malaga, smashing the ball home from 15 yards

Thomas Vermaelen could surprise a few with his contributions to Barcelona this summer, insists Terry Gibson.

The Belgian defender scored his first goal for the club on just his fourth appearance on Saturday in the 1-0 win over Malaga, after being plagued with injuries since signing in the summer of 2014.

And Gibson, speaking on the La Liga Weekly podcast, says the 29-year-old former Arsenal man is like a new signing for the La Liga champions.

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"Barcelona are fortunate with the transfer ban that Vermaelen returning is like getting a new signing.

"I always thought he was the best centre-back Arsenal had anyway, and then Laurent Koscielny went to the top of the rankings at the Emirates.

"Arsenal supporters didn't seem too fussed when Vermaelen left, possibly because of his injuries. But I've always rated him as a good player, and the supporters are really keen on him at Barcelona."

Javier Mascherano in action during Barcelona's Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich
Image: Javier Mascherano and Vermaelen formed a good partnership against Malaga

Vermaelen was signed for £15m over a year ago, but did not make his debut until the tail end of last season due to nine-month lay off with a hamstring injury.

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Although Barcelona have strong choices in central defence, Gibson believes he is third in line in front of Marc Bartra and Jeremy Mathieu, and could play a big role this season whenever Javier Mascherano is pushed into midfield.

"We talk about Barcelona replacing Carles Puyol with someone who recognises danger. Mascherano has got better at that but for Vermaelen it's a natural instinct.

Image: Vermaelen joined Barcelona for £15m in the summer of 2014

"He's got the pace as well to join the attack, and I think he could surprise a few people, and I think he's gone ahead of Jeremy Mathieu now in the pecking order.

"I would imagine Gerard Pique and Mascherano are Luis Enrique's first choice, but Vermaelen will cause him a selection headache. 

"I think he's going to be a good player for Barcelona this season."

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