The master chooses his heir

The years go by, but Lionel Messi's extraordinary level remains. No one wants to think about his unavoidable departure in a few years' time, and we'll have to enjoy it while it lasts, but it seems that it is the Argentinean has chosen his future replacement. In just a few months, he has seen a 17-year-old break several records. 

Messi is the master and Ansu Fati his heir. Together they broke down the Levante's defensive plan in just a few minutes. The Argentinean gave the two assists and the young academy product, a powerful dribbler and with accurate definition, scored both goals. As if they had known each other all their lives.

When Messi was scoring his first goals, Ansu Fati was barely learning how to walk. Different generations with a common denominator: they both have an innate talent.

There's a long way to go for Ansu Fati to try to replace - someday - the legendary Lionel Messi, but the truth is that he is already a strong candidate to try the impossible feat. As Messi did with Ronaldinho, in his day.  In fact, one of the iconic images this Sunday was the comparison between the two celebrations: Messi's first goal for Barcelona and his hug with Ronaldinho, and his embrace with Ansu Fati after his first goal last night. 

 

February 2, 2020

An effective duo

Beyond any possible assumptions about the future, Messi and Ansu understand each other on the pitch, and Setién knows it. With Luis Suárez out of action and after the doubts generated by the three centre-half system, the Cantabrian coach sees 4-3-3 as the system best suited to the team. With it, it seems the team's forwards have a better understanding during the 90 minutes of the game, managing to stand out a lot more. 

Aditionally, Ansu Fati is no longer in one of the flanks nor does he have much defensive obligation, which allows his to focus on scoring goals. 

Antoine Griezmann is in a central position when the team has the ball and Messi, with freedom of movement, moves at will. Thanks to this, he found the necessary space to assist Ansu in the 2-0 with a pass measured with square and bevel.

"My teammates are making it very easy for me since I entered the dressing room," said the youngster after the match. With the approval of Messi and his invaluable collaboration in the field from the beginning, it only remains to see if it maintains that regularity that was asked or if it goes out again with the passage of weeks, as it already happened after his good beginning of season.

Now, the ball is in Setién's court. The coach has said time and time again:  Dembélé is "the winter signing" of this Barça. With the French available the Camp Nou wonders if one of the top players will end up falling from the starting eleven, and before the match against Levante, it all pointed towards Ansu Fati, but his performance now casts some doubts.