"Game changer, Lionel Messi type of influence", "Already better than Penaldo" - Barcelona fans hail key player for 'world-class' cameo in 4-1 Sociedad win
Barcelona fans have hailed the impact of Ansu Fati following his superb cameo appearance during the Blaugrana's 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday.
Xavi Hernandez's side were looking to bounce back from their disappointing goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano in their season opener. They started in perfect fashion when star summer signing Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring within the first minute to net his first goal for the club.
FULL TIME!! #RealSociedadBarça https://t.co/H7cBDhR7UM
Alexander Isak equalized for Sociedad just five minutes later and the scores stayed level until Fati came on in the 64th minute. The 19-year-old set up Ousmane Dembele just two minutes later with a majestic backheel, which allowed the Frenchman to fire home and put Barcelona into the lead.
Fati then laid off Lewandowski shortly after as the Poland international slotted home. The former Bayern forward returned the favor to Fati in the 79th minute, setting him up for Barca's fourth. The Spanish wonderkid went one-on-one with the keeper before coolly sliding the ball past him to cap off a stunning display.
The teenager burst onto the scene three years ago, but has suffered numerous injury problems in the last couple of seasons and only made 25 appearances in that time.
The Catalonian giants have since signed numerous attacking options to compete with Fati, but his display against Sociedad will surely lead to more minutes in the near future.
After the full-time whistle, Barca supporters took to Twitter to heap praise on the young winger, with many calling for him to start against Valladolid next weekend:
🤩
@FCBarcelona @ANSUFATI Game changer, Lionel Messi type of influence 🐐🤩🔥
@FCBarcelona @ANSUFATI We love you so much Fati
@Austinooffical @FCBarcelona @ANSUFATI His kind is a rare type
@FCBarcelona @ANSUFATI I love the way he plays … calmly and tactical! #RealSociedadBarca
@FCBarcelona @ANSUFATI already better than penaldo
@FCBarcelona @ANSUFATI ANSU IS BETTER THAN VINI
@FCBarcelona @ANSUFATI Always
Deserves a starting eleven over torres
This goal absolutely oozes class as Lewandowski celebrates his first brace in Barcelona colours.
The passing and movement, with Ansu Fati at the heart of it again.
#RealSociedadBarca
https://t.co/FF4cKV52y7
Ansu Fati does something special whenever he steps on a football pitch. Simple as that.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez explains decision to play three centre-backs against Real Sociedad
The former World Cup winner spung a surprise in the clash as he appeared to play a back five which often changed into a back three.
When asked to explain the tactical alterations for the game, Xavi stated (as per Barca Universal):
"The change of system was to adapt to Real Sociedad. They played with two strikers, and we needed to have one defender left. It was a risk, sure. But we saw how good it can be when the players understand the system, like they did in the second half."
Xavi: "Ansu did not start for a mix of two reasons. First, precaution. Second, based on the merits of others. Ferran worked extremely well in training this week. That's how things are at Barça, there's always competition."
When asked about the impact of Fati, Xavi added:
"Ansu did not start for a mix of two reasons. First, precaution. Second, based on the merits of others. Ferran worked extremely well in training this week. That's how things are at Barça, there's always competition."