Former Barcelona striker names the next Lionel Messi.
Once the kings of Europe, Barcelona, are now finding a hard time on the pitch and financially. Their legend, Lionel Messi, is tipped to leave at the end of the season and they do not have the funds to bring in someone who can replace him. Thus, should the legend leave, they will need one of the existing players to rise up and fill in his boots. The player needs to be extremely skillful and have good leadership abilities, he should be able to fulfill the role of a captain.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
Many would think that it is impossible to replace such an influential figure in the club. The 33-year-old has grown up with the club and the club has grown with him. He has been a monumental piece in their success story and without him, Barcelona is just not the same. However, we all know that players retire but the club moves forwards and one day, even if he does not leave the club, he will retire leaving the club with the same dilemma.
With or without Messi, Barca must stay on top of their game and maintain their elite stature and ex-striker, Samuel Eto’o claims that one of the youngsters can be the next ‘Lionel Messi’ of the club.
The player he is talking about is 18-year-old Ansu Fati. The winger is a product of La Masia and is tipped by many to fill in Messi’s boots. He started the season in a brilliant manner, scoring five goals and providing four assists across 10 matches.
Unfortunately, he was struck down with a serious knee injury which has ruled him out for at least four months. He is hoping to be back before the second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The Barcelona legend believes that Fati will be the one to wear the crown after the departure of Messi and he has full confidence in the boy. In an interview with SPORTbible, the striker said,
"“I think [Fati] is the one for the future. He’s currently doing amazing stuff so I think the club really needs to groom him and take very good care of him. Let’s hope he’s the one to take over from Messi.”Source Goal"
It is very clear that the Catalans believe him to be Messi’s successor as well as they have put a 400 million euros release clause on him. Any threat from rival clubs has been dealt with, with the addition of the massive release clause. His promotion to the first team had been very successful before the injury and hopefully, he can find his form quickly after recovery.
Will Fati become an unstoppable legend at the Nou Camp?