The talents nurtured within the walls of the Barcelona academy are some of the most prodigious youngsters present in Europe. The latest batch of said youngsters has managed to turn heads all across the continent as they continue to cement themselves in the first team.
Up next for Barcelona and their youngsters is a trip to Granada. Prior to the game, Barcelona have officially released their 20-man squad list for the clash in La Liga and two names in particular stand out for being new additions; Pau Victor and Marc Guiu.
Marc Guiu, as highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT, is a rather unique talent. The 17-year-old comes from the same 2006 generation that the likes of Lamine Yamal have come from. A number nine by trade, his introduction comes following the injury to Robert Lewandowski.
His ongoing season has been one of many good omens. So far, he has scored five goals for the Juvenil A side and has also made an entrance within the Barcelona Atletic setup and played official minutes for them. With the latest call-up, he now also has an entry into the Barcelona first team under his belt.
In terms of play style, Guiu is especially different from his peers that were formed within the academy. Typically, Barcelona academy products are known to be diverse and versatile profiles with the technical abilities to drop and aid in build-up rather than remain rooted to take advantage of physical traits.
For Guiu, the latter is the answer. A proper ‘battering ram’, as he is so often described, the 17-year-old has the height and physicality to play as a traditional nine. Fighting for aerial duels, outmuscling his opponents, and finding the right spots to hunt down goals, Guiu is the essential center forward through and through.
Having joined Barcelona’s youth football in the 2013/2014 season, the player never stood out for his technical prowess that was mostly seen in his peers. Instead, it was sheer dedication and determination to his craft that allowed Guiu to progress through the Barca ranks.
Ivan Carrasco, one of the coaches involved in his developing years, had the following to say about Guiu’s unique style of play compared to his other teammates:
“He is a pure center forward, a classic ‘number 9,’ an area specialist who thrives on his physical prowess. His best attribute is aerial play. Moreover, Marc is very fast and powerful; in open spaces, he is unstoppable.”
Moreover, his coach acknowledged the player’s stamina and tenacity. Stating that his pressing routine and consistency often make defenders quite uncomfortable playing against him as well.
It will now have to be seen whether Xavi uses him at any point against Granada. With Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both unavailable, Barcelona only have three available first-team forwards in Joao Felix, Ferran Torres, and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Guiu and Pau Victor are present to provide backup if it is needed at any point, so it will be interesting to keep an eye out on any possible developments that let either of the two get their initial tastes of first-team football at FC Barcelona.
