One of the great assets of FC Barcelona is their ability to scout the very best of talents. The Blaugranes are renowned for having arguably the greatest youth academy in the world with La Masia, but that is not their only source of talent acquisition. Barcelona also like to keep an eye out for external talents, whether they be domestic or international.
From within Spain, Barcelona have often managed to find really good prospects. Other times, they like to dabble in the South American regions and scout for talent there as well. However, in recent times, Barcelona and many other sides have started to keep an eye out in the African regions as well.
It is through this new focus that Barcelona have seemingly found a diamond in the rough. David Oduro, aged just 17, recently went through a week-long trial period at Barcelona with the Juvenil B team. According to SPORT, he has managed to greatly impress the technicians at FC Barcelona in this short period.
Hailing from Ghana, where he plays for Accra Lions, the young starlet is primarily a left-back. He has already had trials with the likes of Chelsea as well, but his most recent one took place with FC Barcelona. Now, however, he has had to return to Ghana due to his visa expiring, while Barcelona wanted to extend his stay because of how impressed they have been.
His physicality, speed, and ability to drive forward with the ball are all assets that make him a special talent. In fact, Ghanaian scout Vinyl Tong stated that he reminds him of a certain Bayern Munich fullback in terms of his characteristics:
“Due to his profile and characteristics, he reminds me of Alphonso Davies. Powerful in duels, a born finisher, with great driving, breaking lines… He will leave for sure in the summer. He needs to make that leap.”
Currently 17, the young fullback will turn 18 in the summer when June comes around. By then, he will be eligible to negotiate and join any European side. Barcelona seem to be invested in him, but so are other great sides. Bayer Leverkusen, for instance, are reportedly quite interested in the African prospect.