Barcelona youngster focused only on first team football
The Barcelona youngster feels ready to take the next step
Barcelona got their preseason underway as they took on Gimnàstic de Tarragona at the Estadi Johan Cruyff and won 4-0.
It was an alternative Catalan side with the first half being comprised of all the available first team players mixed in with some from Barça B. The second half was mostly all players from the youth team.
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One of the players everyone was eagerly anticipating to see was Álex Collado. The 22-year-old had an impressive season with Barça B and was someone supporters wanted to get a shot with the senior team.
Collado got his opportunity to impress manager Ronald Koeman as he was one of the changes the Dutchman made for the second half.
He took advantage of that opportunity as he scored Barcelona’s second goal of the game.
Collado is aware that this might be a make-or-break season for him. He feels he is ready to contribute with the senior team and considers his stint with Barça B over.
"“I am going to work to the maximum to have minutes with the first team,” Collado said. “I am happy and content. I will not return to Barça B although I will work to stay here.”Source: Diario Sport"
In the event that he is not in Koeman’s plans, Collado is prepared to leave either on loan or on a permanent transfer in search of first team mintues.
Barcelona promoted him ahead of next season to play with the senior team. He was clearly above the rest of the competition last season in the third division.
Despite the arrivals of Memphis Depay and Sergio Agüero, Collado could be an important part of the team early on considering the injuries to Ousmane Dembélé and Ansu Fati. He can play both on the wing and in midfield if needed.
If Barcelona lack anything in attack it is in the winger position. Collado does not shy away near the box and is a good dribbler. If nothing else, he can be a good squad player and depth.
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His display in the club’s first preseason game was surely to catch the manager’s attention. He will have a handful of more games to continue to make a good impression. However, he also has his feet firmly on the ground and is unafraid to leave Barcelona if it comes down to it.