The once-talented Barcelona forward hit the ground running at the beginning of his career, provoking the football world to label him as the ‘next Messi,’ but the recent performances have shown a different picture. Consistency is paramount, and for a player in top-flight football and a La Liga football giant, expectations keep on increasing.
Ansu Fati Injuries
Ansu Fati had his moment of brilliance before the injuries woes struck him. For instance, in 2019, Fati was the real game changer, always scoring or assisting in the match. Messi, like other players, would always appreciate his efforts in the game. After the departure of Messi, Ansu Fati was given the iconic number 10 jersey, which added more expectations from the young lad. However, the Spaniard has had a series of injuries, including a severe knee injury that saw him sidelined for almost a year (November 2020 – September 2021). Then two hamstring injuries plagued him between November and March 2021-22 season.
Xavi Arrives
The arrival of the new Barca management under Xavi Hernandez has seen an extraordinary turnaround in the team with a massive improvement in young talents, to which Fati is an exception. Fati’s significant drop in performance is astonishing and it is evident that he has lost his confidence. Despite his efforts to get involved in the play, he has not been helpful. Constantly blocking fellow players and denying them a chance to score, resulting in bitter repercussions.
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Ansu Fati and his Struggling Form
In their recent encounter with Real Madrid, in which Barcelona won by a goal to nil, Ansu Fati literary blocked Franck Kessie’s shot leading to the second goal. These are some of the incidents that highlight his lost form and have sparked emotions among the fans. To add on that, he has lost his basic skills; his balance is bad, his first touch is unassuring, and his finishing is all gone.
Conclusion
He’s young and has a chance to rejuvenate in a Barca shirt in the remaining years of his contract. He must use his strikers instincts to know when and where to be. He must display a reassuring performance and fight off for the number 10 jersey.