A sign of hope for Riqui Puig

Being a midfielder at Barcelona is no easy task. Iniesta and Xavi's shadow will last for a long time and, every time a player emerges from the youth system, comparisons are inevitable.

Riqui Puig has had to deal with this impossible task since his appearance a couple of summers ago in one of Barcelona's North American pre-season games.

Although he was offered a loan, he has preferred to continue growing in Barcelona's B team all this time. Despite the risk of getting stuck in the B team, the player stuck it out and has finally managed his breakthrough, especially after the coronavirus halt. 

Along with Ansu Fati, he seems to be completely settled in the first team. Setién's gesture of not letting him go to the play-off for the B team's promotion, which seems like a punishment, could be a blessing in disguise: he could make his debut in the Champions League.

Riqui Puig made his assisting debut against Alavés on the last LaLiga matchday. He could've also added to the scoresheet had his shot not hit the crossbar. A bit of Xavi and another bit of Iniesta.

The midfielder still needs to finish defining himself, although it seems that he is more similar to the second one than the first one; to Barça, too. The club has to decide where the 20-year-old will play next season, but it all seems to show he will become a part of the first team.