Deco hints at future of 22-year-old Barcelona attacker amid lack of game time | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy has long been a cradle of footballing greatness, producing legends like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, and Pique. In recent years, a new generation: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Alejandro Balde, and others have stepped into the spotlight. But before all of them, it was Ansu Fati who carried the weight of being Barca’s next big thing.

When Fati made his Barcelona debut at 16, it looked like the club had found its next superstar. Over the next year and a half, he showcased immense development and became a regular starter for the club before injury struck. It has never been the same since.

Fati came back from injury almost a year later as a pale shadow of his former self. He was then loaned out to Brighton & Hove Albion where things didn’t pan out as expected and the story has continued this season, where he has hardly got game time under Hansi Flick.

From stardom to oblivion – Ansu Fati. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Deco’s take on Ansu Fati’s future

When quizzed about the 22-year-old’s future and whether he has the possibility to continue at the club, here is what sporting director Deco had to say, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo:

“In football, there are no delicate situations, football is just like that. He had a spectacular start, then came the injuries. He was loaned to Brighton, had a great preseason because we wanted to bring him back, and then he got injured again. Everyone assesses their own career path. If he feels he needs more playing time, we’ll discuss it. He’s a player under contract with us, and we’re happy with him. If he wants to improve, we’ll talk about it.”

The only silver lining in this entire mess is that Fati is still just 22 years old. There are aspects to his game that still seem as sharp as before. The Spaniard’s link-up play and understanding of space is quite elite, compared to other players in the same position.

Will the Barcelona number 10 get a chance at redemption? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

A new chapter or one last chance?

However, what is seemingly affecting his game quite a lot is that he has lost a yard of pace. This, coupled with the fact that he has lost the confidence to take on his full-back has made him extremely one-dimensional to defend against.

At 22, Ansu Fati still has time on his side, but time alone won’t be enough. With his confidence shaken and explosiveness seemingly dulled, the winger faces a crossroads. Barcelona may still believe in his potential, but the path to redemption under Hansi Flick appears steep.

Whether he chooses to fight for a spot at Camp Nou or seek a fresh start elsewhere, Fati’s next decision could define the rest of his career. One way or another, clarity must come soon, for both the player and the club.