Marc Guiu, the child prodigy of Barcelona
Guiu, is the new young star of FC Barcelona, endorsed by Xavi, head coach of "Catalians"
Xavi's coaching philosophy, as well as Barcelona's return to the top of Europe, seem to rely heavily on the Blaugrana's famed La Masia academy. The Spanish coach did not hesitate this year to bring the team's next big thing, Lamine Yamal, to the fore, with the little one justifying him, since he is the youngest scorer in the club's history and the youngest footballer to have played for the Barcelona club.
Xavi's confidence, however, does not stop there, as Pedri and Gavi form Barcelona's main central duo in the future plans of the Spanish coach, as the former has been dealing with an injury since the start of the season, with his last appearance in August 20 against Cádiz for the second matchday of La Liga.
The latest ace up the Barcelona coach's sleeve goes by the name of
Marc Guiu, a 17-year-old striker from the team's U19 who, on his debut with the Barcelona club, made history by scoring - just 33 seconds after entering the field, giving at the same time the
victory in Barcelona with 1-0 against Athletic Bilbao.
Xavi's advice
"I told him he has a chance. I love to see the faces of these kids. They have no fear," Xavi said after the match, in which the 17-year-old "grabbed the chance" his coach gave him, making the most of the space created in Barcelona's squad following the injury absences of Lewandowski, De Jong, Rafinha, Pedri and Sergi Roberto.
He is a native of Catalonia, and more specifically of the city of Granollers (30 kilometers north of Barcelona), with the 17-year-old entering Xavi's radar after his amazing presence at Euro U17, in which Spain was crowned European champion and himself top scorer along with his teammate Lamine Yamal.
With 3 goals in 9 appearances in the UEFA Youth League with Barcelona U19 and just 8 minutes in the shirt of Barcelona's second team Barcelona Athletic in the third national division, the 17-year-old was looking for his chance, which came on Sunday night ( 22/10). He is now the fifth youngest goalscorer in the history of the first team, behind only Yamal, Ansu Fati, Gavi and Bojan Krkic.
Marc Guiu is not the classic type of striker that "La Masia" produces, as he is not short. He sees the world from 1.80, while he is not even the typical playmaker-striker. On the contrary, he is the epitome of the No. 9, the forward who knows how to get good positions in the opposition area, having frequent contact with the net, being very capable in the high game.
Also, although he does not stand out for his combination game, he is famous for his ability to exploit the empty spaces, having as his basic qualities speed, fighting spirit and his inexhaustible desire to press the opponent by creating problems in the circulation of the ball.
The beginning has been made. Now the young Marc Guiu has every reason to prove that yes, he really deserves to be in Barcelona and make his childhood dreams come true...
Manos Staramopoulos
Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs
Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com
Athens (Greece)
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