Youngsters at FC Barcelona are often developed to a level of extreme quality. Many great forwards, midfielders, and even defenders have emerged from the famous La Masia academy. However, there are always those that Barcelona consider to be of an elite level, a step above those around them.
One such player, trusted by both Xavi Hernandez and Rafa Marquez, is Angel Alarcon. A natural winger by trade, the 19-year-old Barcelona Atletic forward is seen as a true difference-maker in whichever team he plays.
However, his recent term has been marked with injuries that have kept him away from action. Already this season, he even found himself called up to a first-team squad in a UEFA Champions League game against Royal Antwerp, even though he could ultimately not feature during the match.
Yet, as SPORT highlights, he has found his shooting boots once again. In the latest match for Barcelona Atletic against Ponferradina, the 19-year-old winger managed to score his first goal in that division. Having gone five matches before this in the league having not scored, it came as a huge relief for him.
However, even more positive is the continuity that he is showing. Following his return from injury, the youngster has started four games in a row. The previous three outings all saw him start as a left-winger, his preferred wing, while the latest saw him play as a right-winger.
For Rafa Marquez, Alarcon remains an undeniably important asset for Barcelona Atletic. According to the subsidiary coach, the player continues to go from ‘strength to strength’:
“We hope he continues with this confidence. He is a player who makes a difference in any game.”
The goal that he scored was a thing of beauty as well. Assisted by Aleix Garrido, he first faked a shot from his right foot onto his left, and then Alarcon let loose a powerful shot into the top corner to the keeper’s left. A great display of technique and awareness, it is simply a glimpse of what’s to come for the promising forward.
