Barcelona gems continue to be mined
Despite the fact that Barcelona are in huge financial difficulty, and are struggling on the pitch, they continue to produce top talents.
Currently in ninth place in La Liga following just 3 wins from their opening seven games, the Blaugrana have also sunk to the bottom of their Champions League group after successive 3-0 defeats, intensifying the pressure on manager Ronald Koeman.
With Andrea Pirlo, Xavi Hernandez and Roberto Martinez all amongst the managers waiting in the wings, it seems as though results will need to turn around sharply after the international break for the Dutchman to keep his job.
However, one shining light for the Catalan club is the Spanish gems that they continue to find. Ansu Fati broke into the side in 2019/20, and has since gone on to inherit Lionel Messi’s famed no.10 shirt.
Ansu Fati just took over Lionel Messi’s famed #10 at Barcelona.
No pressure, kid.
It got us thinking, who else has inherited an impossible football job? And how did it go?@jwilloughby26 investigates.#OptusSport
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) September 29, 2021
Last season, it was the turn of Pedri, who made 52 appearances for Barcelona and played a role both at Euro 2020, and the Tokyo Olympic games for his national side.
Gavi sets new records
Neither breakthrough, however, is as impressive as Gavi. At just 17 years old, the Spanish midfielder has been named in the starting lineup for the UEFA Nations League Semi-final against Italy, alongside his veteran team mate Sergio Busquets.
🚨 ¡¡RECORDAMOS NUESTRA ALINEACIÓN!!
💪🏽 Así salimos en estas semifinales de la #NationsLeague ante Italia. ¡¡A POR TODAS, EQUIPO!!#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/Z5mygQBOz4
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) October 6, 2021
This comes just five games into his domestic career (he made his senior Barcelona debut on 29th August as a substitute against Getafe), and will be a massive opportunity for the midfielder to put his name into the conversation for one of the most promising talents in world football.
Such is his youth, that he becomes the youngest player in history to represent the Spanish national team, taking the mantle from teammate Ansu Fati.
Gavi becomes the youngest player in history to represent Spain at just 17 years and 62 days old.
— Get Spanish Football News (@GSpanishFN) October 6, 2021
How far can Gavi go?
