Injuries in attack open the door for 16-year-old academy talent to join Barcelona’s first team | OneFootball

With the ongoing injury concerns in Barcelona’s attacking department, 16-year-old Oscar Gistau is emerging as a strong candidate to join the first team.

According to recent insights from SPORT, the young forward’s rise comes at a time when manager Hansi Flick is facing a shortage of fit strikers.

Despite having several options on paper, including the versatile Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez, injuries to key players like Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Ansu Fati have left Barcelona’s attacking options limited.

The next few days will be crucial as Barcelona’s medical team assesses the recovery of injured players like Yamal, Lewandowski, and Torres to determine if they will be fit for the upcoming match against Celta Vigo.

Currently, Raphinha and Pau Victor are the only fully fit forwards, which has opened the door for Gistau to be considered for a place in the first team.

Who is Oscar Gistau?

Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal are injured. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The outlet mentions that Gistau, known for his goal-scoring ability, has already made a mark in the Youth League this season with three goals in two games.

In the Youth Honour Division, he has played 184 minutes and scored two more goals. His performances with the Spanish U-17 team have also been impressive, as he scored two goals in three appearances.

But his value goes beyond just scoring; his work rate, defensive contributions, and pressing game have made him a favourite among coaches.

His ability to combine well with teammates and exploit spaces in the attack further enhances his potential as a versatile forward.

At just 16 years old, the forward’s rise through the ranks is noteworthy, and while he is expected to split his time between the Juvenil A and Barça Atletic squads, he could soon find himself getting a chance in the first team.

If Flick is in need of a striker, Gistau is certainly a viable option to consider. His promising future at the club could well lead to an exciting opportunity with the senior team.