By Ramiro Diaz
Ansu Fati's story at FC Barcelona is a rollercoaster of emotions. From his dazzling breakthrough into the first team, where he was hailed as Lionel Messi's successor, to his current situation marked by injuries and a lack of opportunities, the young forward has experienced a whirlwind of events. His loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion was supposed to be the catalyst he needed to relaunch his career, but since returning to the Camp Nou, the situation has become even more complex. His exclusion from the Supercopa de España squads, both in the semi-final against Athletic Club and the final against Real Madrid, is a clear indication that Ansu Fati is at one of the most delicate points of his time at the Blaugrana club.
The Meteoric Rise: The Illusion of the New Messi:
Ansu Fati burst onto the professional football scene with unusual force. His precocity, his ability to beat defenders one-on-one, his goalscoring instinct, and his connection with finding the net quickly made him the new jewel of Barcelona's academy. The fans, eager for a new idol after Neymar's departure and Messi's imminent exit, saw in Ansu the natural heir to the Argentinian star.
The records soon followed. He became the youngest player to score in the Champions League and for the Spanish national team, among other milestones. The excitement was palpable. The "New Messi" had arrived to stay, to lead the Barcelona of the future.
The Cruel Twist of Fate: Injuries Halted His Progress:
However, fate had other plans. A serious meniscus injury in his knee in November 2020 abruptly halted his meteoric rise. What was expected to be an absence of a few months turned into an ordeal of almost a year, with multiple setbacks and surgeries.
This injury not only kept him off the pitch for a long period but also affected his confidence and physical condition. From that moment on, Ansu Fati never fully returned to being the same player who dazzled the world. Muscle injuries became recurrent, preventing his continuity and hindering his development.
The Loan to Brighton: A Search for Minutes and Confidence:
Aware of the need to play regularly and regain lost confidence, Barcelona decided to loan Ansu Fati to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. It was hoped that this loan would allow the player to rediscover his best form in a different environment and with less pressure.
While Ansu had some good moments at Brighton, he didn't achieve the consistency or prominence that was expected. His performance was inconsistent, alternating brilliant matches with more subdued ones. The loan, which was initially seen as a golden opportunity, didn't quite bear fruit.
The Return to Barcelona: A Complicated Present Under Flick:
After his loan spell in England, Ansu Fati returned to Barcelona hoping to earn a place in the team. However, Hansi Flick's arrival on the Blaugrana bench has further complicated his situation.
The German coach doesn't seem to have Ansu in his main plans. His exclusion from the Supercopa de España squads is a clear sign that the player doesn't fit into the manager's schemes. Despite being fully recovered from his injuries, Ansu has lost ground to other teammates in the fight for a place in the attack.
The Reasons for the Decline: A Combination of Factors:
Ansu Fati's decline is not due to a single factor, but rather a combination of circumstances that have affected his performance and development:
Ansu's Future: An Open Question:
Ansu Fati's future at Barcelona is an open question. Although the player is under contract with the club, his current situation suggests a possible exit. Another loan or even a permanent transfer could be options for the player to regain his best level in a different environment.
However, Ansu Fati is a player with undeniable talent. If he manages to overcome his physical problems and regain his confidence, he could still have a bright future at Barcelona. Time will tell if the "New Messi" manages to rediscover his best form and once again dazzle the football world.
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