Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez has attributed Ansu Fati’s limited playing time at the club to the level of competition in the attack.
Only 13 of the 20-year-old’s 44 total appearances in all competitions this season have been as a starter. Which has many supporters upset given his underwhelming performance following his injury comeback.
Fati’s father publicly questioned his son’s lack of playing time this season just a month ago. But Xavi has now stated he has his justifications.
“It’s that he has competition,” Xavi explained as reported by 90Mins. “Maybe Ferran [Torres], Raphinha are a little better. [Robert] Lewandowski is a guarantee, and then the coach has to decide.
“Ansu has played, he has participated. He has scored decisive goals but there is fierce competition, and it must be fierce to play for Barça.”
As Ousmane Dembele accelerates his return from a three-month injury layoff. Competition out wide will only intensify in the upcoming weeks.
The Frenchman will soon be able to provide more competition for Fati’s spot. And Xavi acknowledged that his team has missed Dembele’s qualities.
The Frenchman will be back in the matchday squad for Wednesday’s match against Real Betis.
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“Clearly [we have missed him],” Xavi said of Dembele. “We have missed Ousmane because he is the player with the best one-on-one on this team.
“If you don’t believe me, do a survey of the full-backs in La Liga to see if they pride to mark Dembele or another player.”
Recently, Ansu Fati was linked with a transfer move to various clubs in Europe. Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been credited with interest for the 20-year-old Spanish international.
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