It’s almost a recurring cycle for Barcelona to lose key players to injury every season. The medical department has come under scrutiny in the past for it, but things have hardly improved. Several key Barcelona stars remain injured even now as the club enters the final phase of the season.
Two of the team’s most important midfield stars, Frenkie De Jong and Pedri, are also currently sidelined. However, before they can even recover and return, Barcelona have other hurdles to overcome. Yet, with their depleted squad depth, it seems likely that Xavi will have to call upon the services of the quarry once more.
One player who is clearly in-form and looks to have found his true calling is Noah Darvich. The 17-year-old German midfielder is finally impressing at a consistent level, as highlighted by SPORT. As a consequence, he may just stand out enough for Xavi to give him his long-awaited chance with the first team.
After the recent game against Sestao, Darvich has managed to chain together two starts in a row in Barcelona Atletic for the first time. Moreover, he played the entirety of the 90 minutes in the recent game as well.
Beyond just the minutes he got, however, the player was also sublime in his execution. SPORT even goes as far as to claim the recent outing to have been his most complete since arriving from Germany.
His ability to break the press, find lethal precision with his passes, and also add dimension to the attack in the final third, all combine to make Darvich as lethal as he is. While he was initially signed by Barcelona based on his accomplishments in Germany, he had trouble adapting in Spain.
Now, however, it seems that he has found his own value and worth. He is much more capable and focused, as well as understands the Barcelona game much better. As he gains more prominence within Barcelona Atletic under Rafa Marquez, he simultaneously improves his chances of making a potential first-team appearance.
There are other players ahead of him in the hierarchy, but that should not stop him. Given the talent he has already showcased, both within Barcelona youth ranks and with his Under-17 World Cup-winning Germany team, it seems to be only a matter of time before he gets his opportunity as well.
