All footballers dream of taking part in a World Cup, and Ansu Fati is no exception. The Barcelona wonder-boy could be summoned by Spain's U17 for the World Cup, which is disputed between October 26 and November 17 in Brazil. Although the news will be well received by the player, who was recently granted Spanish citizenship, it could also evoke fear in Barcelona, who have been increasingly reliant on the talented youngster's fresh legs.
He is barely 16 years old, but everyone is talking about Ansu Fati. And now without reason... In the past few games, the Barcelona academy product has proved his raw talent comes in handy whenever the Catalans look lost and struggle to find goal chances. The youngster is brought on, and suddenly there's magic on the pitch.
So much so, that Ansu Fati has now been confirmed as a part of Valverde's permanent squad despite his age. So far this season, the striker has already played six games, two of them as a starter. He can boast two goals.
Against Villarreal, without going any further, Ansu Fati was again the most brilliant on the pitch. Barça won by 2-1 and, one day after that clash, the striker's innate talent has dominated sports media outlets around the world.
Barça are enchanted with him... but there is a lingering fear. A fear in the form of tournament: the U17 World Cup.
On October 26th the U17 World Cup starts in Brazil and Ansu Fati could be summoned. The young man already has Spanish nationality and 'la Rojita' is waiting for him.
U17 coach David Gordo has already made it clear that a talent like Ansu Fati must be in his team. "If he's important for Barça, you can imagine what he could do for a U17 team...", he said recently.
If Spain does calls up Ansu Fati, the player could miss two Champions League matches and five more LaLiga games, including the 'Clasico' against Real Madrid. All depending on how far Spain does in the competition, of course.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are already well aware of the problem that his departure poses. Valverde trusts him and Ansu Fati has become an important man for Barça. In fact, he already spoke about his possible call-up, admitting "It would be a setback if he is summoned..."
The Blaugranas will undoubtedly try to ignore the problem for as long as possible. There is still a month to go before the tournament starts, and meanwhile, they will enjoy Ansu Fati. And although his absence will be difficult to cope with, it seems as Barcelona will have to cross that bridge when they get to it.