La Liga: Who is Barcelona's 17-year-old sensation Ansu Fati?
What's the story
La Liga 2019-20 resumption has seen a flurry of games in a quick span of time. Gameweek 29 has already started and leaders Barcelona came up with another solid display. This was Barca's second win since La Liga restarted after a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. 17-year-old Ansu Fati made his presence felt. Here we present the details of the teenage sensation.
Barca vs Leganes
Fati notches fifth La Liga goal as Barca outsmart Leganes
Fati registered his fifth La Liga goal of the season in a 2-0 win against bottom-placed Leganes. The Guinea-Bissau forward notched a clinical finish at an empty Nou Camp before Lionel Messi doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Messi registered his 21st league goal this season, besides amassing 699 career goals (club and country). The win took Barca five points above Real Madrid.
History
Fati scripted history against Valencia in La Liga
Earlier this season in September, Fati smashed a record against Valencia in the league. He became the youngest player in La Liga history to register a goal and an assist in the same game. Fati scored after just 110 seconds had elapsed by meeting Frenkie de Jong's low cross. He then picked out a precise pass for De Jong to convert.
Academy
Barca got Fati in their famed La Masia academy
The promising winger was born on 30 October 2002 in Guinea-Bissau. He spent the first six years of his life in the African country before moving to Herrera, a tiny town in southern Spain. His dribbling and shooting talents saw several La Liga clubs show interest. Barca got Fati in their academy and offered Fati's family residence within their famed La Masia youth complex.
Youth team
Fati showed immense character at Barca's youth team
In 2018-19, Fati showed his prowess in the UEFA Youth League, scoring twice in the semi-final against Chelsea. His strong performances for the youth team helped him earn a solitary call-up for Barca's reserve team. However, he was an unused substitute in Barca B's 1-0 victory at Ebro. Things changed in the summer for Fati.
Luck
How luck came Fati's way in the summer of 2019?
According to the BBC, Barca, who saw 16-year-old mid-fielder Xavi Simons leave for Paris Saint-Germain, offered Fati a new three-year contract with an eye-watering release clause of 100m euros. His luck changed further when senior team stars Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele suffered injuries, joining GOAT Messi in the sidelines. Fati made his debut as a substitute against Real Betis.
Records
Fati is Barcelona's youngest La Liga scorer
In August 2019, Fati became Barca's youngest La Liga scorer and the third-youngest player to score in the league. In September, Fati made his Champions League debut and became the youngest player to feature for his club in the competition. In December, he became the youngest scorer in UCL history. In February, he became the youngest player to score a brace in La Liga.
Information
What can Fati offer on the pitch for Barcelona?
Fati has made 25 appearances for Barcelona this season across competitions. He has scored six goals in total. Fati is superb on the left wing and can shoot equally with his right foot. He has sheer pace, intelligence and dribbling attributes.