Big season ahead for Barcelona’s wonderkid Ansu Fati.
With the return of international football on the horizon, Luis Enrique has taken the opportunity to call up some of the most exciting talents Spain has on offer and after his debut season, Ansu Fati of Barcelona looks set to make his mark.
The highlights of the squad announcement from last Thursday were the introductions of new Manchester City signing Ferran Torres, Bilbao’s Unai Simon in goal and Wolves star Adama Traore alongside the Barcelona attacker.
Fati though is arguably the standout name to get La Furia Roja fans excited.
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With Barcelona entering a pivotal summer on the back of a disastrous season, the Catalans could look to build around Spain’s most promising talent. During his first season, Fati netted 7 goals and chipped in with an assist in a campaign marred by upheaval in Barcelona.
In his 24 appearances, the young man has brought pace, skill and excitement embodying the future for his club and with a raft of other youngsters coming through to help try and fill the void after the shock news of Messi’s potential departure.
Fati though is arguably the most talented of the group. His natural style and verve on the pitch quicken the play almost instantly and he has the skill and intelligence to play in any of the front 3 positions of Barcelona’s 4-3-3.
Ronald Koeman’s recent appointment on the back of Setien’s departure could help reinvigorate Barcelona’s football brand, which had recently become stale and over-reliant on the talents of Messi.
The young winger would bring immediate pace to a starting lineup that sorely lacks it and would in turn open up space that incumbent left back Jordi Alba thrives in when going forward. Fati has the ability to beat his man with ease, as well as attacking space left on the counter-attack.
For Spain, he could bring energy and skill from the bench to attack tiring opponents or to offer a threat in behind if his side are looking to break down a stubborn opponent.
Whilst he could stand to work on his decision making in the final third and getting physically stronger, the progress the 17-year-old has already made has been excellent and thus has the stage set for him to explode.
Luis Enrique in his press conference could not speak highly enough of the young man upon his call up.
"“I don’t have any issues with calling up youngsters. He’s got everything and is part of the present. It’s very important he’s here with us.” – Luis Enrique (quote via Sport)"
I for one am excited to see his progress, what do you think his future holds?