Who is Ansu Fati? - Barcelona's heir to Lionel Messi
Martin Macdonald
- 8 Oct 2021 11:45 BST
- 6 min read
The 2020/21 season has been a disappointing one for Barcelona so far both on and off the pitch.
On the business side, financial problems have led to the departure of legendary player Lionel Messi, which in turn has hurt the team's performances under Ronald Koeman.
Barca are at a low ebb, but things are not all doom and gloom as the club has a group of youngsters who could potentially bring success back in the near future.
One of these young superstars is Ansu Fati.
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What position does Ansu Fati play in?
Fati is usually deployed on the left wing as an inside forward, though he can play on the right or even up front.
How good is Ansu Fati?
If a young player is considered to be the heir to Messi at Barcelona, then he must be a special talent, and Fati certainly is that.
At aged 10, Fati joined La Masia from the Sevilla young ranks and from there has steadily gone through the age groups, impressing along the way.
In August of 2019, he made his debut for Barcelona, coming on as a substitute in a 5-2 victory over Real Betis.
The appearance would make him the second-youngest player ever to feature for the club, at 16 years and 298 days.
He would subsequently become Barcelona's youngest ever goalscorer.
Fati is also the youngest player ever to score in the Champions League, the youngest ever to score two goals in a single La Liga game, and the youngest ever to record a goal and an assist in a single La Liga game.
He was officially promoted to the first team in 2020/21 and started the season superbly before suffering a serious knee injury that would ultimately see him miss nine months of action.
Fati has since returned and has been given Messi's number 10 shirt.
In terms of attributes, the young winger is lightning-quick but like Messi, he also can dribble with ease at those top speeds, while he also has a predatory eye for goal.
Former team-mate Ivan Rakitic labelled his talents as "incredible".
"I think Ansu Fati, who is unfortunately injured at the moment, is the one with the most incredible talent compared to the rest," the Croatian told LiveScore.
"I played with him for a time at Barcelona. He has been unlucky with his current injury, but I hope he can return as soon as possible.
"For me, he is a boy who can be a great player for Spanish football and I am sure that many people, including me, will enjoy Ansu playing at the highest level for a long time."
What clubs are interested in Ansu Fati?
Barcelona are desperately attempting to renew Fati's contract which runs out in the summer of 2022.
It does seem like he will renew, but if not, every major club in Europe will be keen on a move.
He was previously linked to Manchester United.
When does Ansu Fati's contract expire?
Fati is contracted at Barcelona until June of 2022.
How old is Ansu Fati?
Fati was born on 31 October 2002. He is 18.
What is Ansu Fati's height?
Fati is 178cm tall or 5ft 8in.
What is Ansu Fati's weight?
Fati is around 66 kilograms, or 10 stone.
What football boots does Ansu Fati wear?
Fati wears Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 soccer cleats.
What is Ansu Fati's Instagram?
Fati's Instagram has 7.1 million followers as of October 2021.
Who is Ansu Fati's girlfriend?
Fati is not currently dating anyone publicly.
