While the club may search for a striker for next season, with Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, and Romelu Lukaku being placed on their radar, Xavi Hernandez has clarified that next season’s Barcelona side will be built around Ansu Fati.
Fati has two chances and scores one
There is no injury that can stop Ansu Fati. The Barcelona academy product has bounced back again, as he returned to action and netted a goal with one of his first few touches against Real Betis. While the club may search for a striker for next season, with Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, and Romelu Lukaku being placed on their radar, Xavi Hernandez has clarified that next season’s Barcelona side will be built around Ansu Fati. The Catalan coach wants to strengthen his attack ahead of next season, but he is aware that Ansu Fati will be this team’s star in the future. “He is a star; he can score goals… it’s harder for others,” said Xavi.
“It’s an excellent feeling to have him back. He always scores. He has two chances and scores one, and the other is dangerous. He’s comfortable near the box. Even when he mishits it, it goes in.”
The Barcelona star is in shape to end the season in style
On Sunday, Jordi Alba, who netted a late winner in the game against Real Betis, also hailed Ansu Fati’s virtues. “He can score goals,” noted Jordi Alba. “He is very young, and he can do it. The first or second chance he has had, he has scored. He is going to give us a lot. We are happy for him.” Ansu Fati’s numbers at the age of 19 leave no room for doubt. This season, he has scored six times in 12 games, having been sidelined for 102 days due to injury. But he is now back, and he is in shape to end the season in style. Injuries have forced him to miss 84 games since he debuted in 2019/20, but Ansu Fati is averaging one goal every 88 minutes, and last year he managed five goals in 10 games.
Upon his return from this most recent injury, he had only played 15 minutes in the game against Real Mallorca. Xavi then brought him on with 15 minutes to go against Real Betis, and he broke the deadlock for Barcelona. The second time he touched the ball, he controlled it inside the box before sending it into the back of the net. Later, Jordi Alba netted the winner late in stoppage time, and Barcelona secured Champions League qualification for next season. Barcelona will use this last stretch of the campaign to rediscover their form. And next season, there will be a team consisting of Ansu Fati and ten others. It remains to be seen whether Xavi will use him as a winger or a striker.