The youth squad is the only Barça footballer who has participated in all the matches this season, friendly and official
In total, Barça’s ’10’ has played 487 minutes spread over 13 games: without hurry, but without pause
Xavi’s Barça continues to be launched in terms of results, but also in terms of sensations. That essential component in football dynamics. This ‘feeling’ is also transferred to some players in particular, such as Ter Stegen, Eric Garcia, Kounde, Lewandowski or Raphinha. But also that of Ansu Fati. This must be the season for the recovery of the youth squad and he is on the right track.
“We are on the right track. He makes a difference, even going out for half an hour. He has a lot of games without playing important games, but I see him happy and content. We follow a process so that he is in perfect condition -which he already is-. We are going to tread carefully so that you feel comfortable and make a difference no matter how many minutes you play“, commented the blaugrana technician on Ansu Fati in a recent press conference.
The process that Barça follows with Ansu Fati involves giving him minutes, not necessarily as a starter, so that he acquires more filming with the rest of the group. When he reappeared last season in May he didn’t make any starting appearances. The first under Xavi’s orders was in the Champions League debut this year, against Viktoria Plzen. Xavi already said: “Now there are no starters or substitutes, only important players”.
Everything counts. So much so that Ansu Fati is the only Barça footballer who has participated in all the matches this season, both friendly and official. In total, 13 games: seven friendly, five in the League and one in the Champions League, spread over 487 minutes, which gives us an average of 37 minutes per game. In addition, three goals (Inter Miami, Real Sociedad and Cádiz) and two assists (both against Real Sociedad).
They are followed on the list by Ter Stegen and Gavi, who have both missed a match so far this season. The goalkeeper did not put on his gloves in the charity match against Manchester City, while the Sevillian did not do so against Olot in the first friendly match of the new season. Below are Eric Garcia, Balde, Busquets, Pedri, Sergi Roberto and Raphinha, who have not worn shorts on two occasions.