FC Barcelona are mostly renowned for producing great attackers and midfielders from their youth academy. For the Catalan giants, many of their greatest graduates have been players in those aforementioned positions. However, every now and then, Barcelona manages to strike gold at the back as well.
Pau Cubarsi is already a great example of this concept. At only 17 years of age, he is seen as a regular in the first team and is continuously dominating opponents at the highest of levels. However, he may soon not be the only one to do so with the Barcelona first team.
Another name, Mikayil Faye, is also making waves for all the right reasons. The 19-year-old Senegalese defender just recently scored a screamer on his senior international debut, and his progression within Barcelona Atletic has not gone unnoticed as well.
For many, he may have been a surprise out of nowhere, but Mundo Deportivo decided to catch up with arguably the one man who saw him best at his most raw moments. Ugo Klingor, a former coach of Faye in Croatia, spoke about the young defender in his conversation with MD:
“Mikaeyl is a modern player. He is still young, but I firmly believe he can become a great player.”
He was then asked to comment on the specific qualities that make the Barcelona recruit such a potent player as well:
“I called Mika the “Football Monster” from the moment I saw him. The explosiveness and power he produces in attack or defense are unique. At times it seems so easy and simple, that you think he does it with only 50% effort. I really think Mika can contribute more to the team as a left-back than as a center-back.”
“His offensive contribution in the final third of the field is enormous. He can attack the spaces behind the lines, he can penetrate with or without the ball. His shooting ability is high (with both legs) and his crosses arrive on time and on target.”
“I played him as a full-back and was very happy with his development. I firmly believe that Barcelona’s coaches know what’s best for him, but I just wanted to share my opinion. As for defense, he can perform consistently and stably.”
Another player that Klingor just so happened to coach extensively was Manchester City signing Josko Gvardiol. One of the most expensive defensive signings in football history, Klingor was asked to compare his students who are now at Manchester City and Barcelona respectively.
“Gvardiol is technically at a very high level, his shooting is his weakest point; Faye is more explosive, with a better contribution in the final third of the field. Much better shooting skills.”
After then pointing out the strengths and flaws of his Croatian protege, the Barcelona starlet’s former coach then commented on what makes Faye stand out from his other student:
“Mikayil Faye, on the other hand, seems more explosive with a better contribution in the final third of the field. Much better shooting skills. Technically, he is at a very good level, just like Joško. Tactically, I think Joško is better, but Mikael is developing his tactical skills to a very good level now that he is in Barcelona.”
Lastly, he was asked to make a bold prediction between Gvardiol and Faye, and make a claim about which of the two would progress further in their respective careers:
“Once again, predicting… Joško Gvardiol plays at the highest level, so the bar is set very high. Let’s all hope that Faye can reach this level too… I think he can.”
For now, Faye continues to impress with both Senegal and Barcelona Atletic. His true dream remains the first team, but for now, Cubarsi seems to have snatched that opportunity.
However, given the way he has been playing, it would not be surprising to see Faye possibly pair up with the likes of Ronald Araujo or Jules Kounde at some point in the future of Barcelona as well.
