What Barcelona can learn from the story of Ansu Fati

"I can't remember many La Masia players who were as electrifying as Ansu Fati when they made their debut for Barcelona. I remember saying to myself, how old is this kid? What audacity from a 16-year-old to score on command like that. Since then, other young Blaugrana stars have followed in his footsteps. Gavi was barely 17 years old, Pau Cubarsí was 16, and Lamine Yamal was a shocking 15 year old, when they first stepped onto the pitch at the Camp Nou."

"Ansu Fati was also the first in a startling trend of young players picking up serious injuries that have held back their careers. Gavi is the player was has been sidelined the most, and at the most risk of not being able to get back to where he started when his career took off. Pedri and Lamine Yamal, on the other hand, are players for whom we all hold our collective breath when they are on the field."

Ansu Fati burst onto Barcelona's first team as an electrifying La Masia talent, scoring decisively as a 16-year-old. Other homegrown prospects followed early, including Gavi at just under 17, Pau Cubarsí at 16, and Lamine Yamal at 15. A pattern of serious injuries has emerged among these teenagers, with Ansu Fati the first high-profile case and Gavi the most affected and at greatest risk of never returning to his prior level. Pedri and Lamine Yamal carry concerning injury histories that create collective anxiety during matches. Biological limits and emotional investment complicate decisions about trusting and managing young players.

Read at Barca Blaugranes