Rodri Sánchez backs struggling Barcelona forward to resurrect faltering career

Rodri Sánchez’s move to Al-Arabi in Qatar came as a surprise to many who had expected him to continue his career in European football. The former Real Betis midfielder had shown glimpses of brilliance in La Liga, and a move to an obscure league at such a young age left some questioning his ambition. However, his decision has paid off, with Sánchez flourishing in the Middle East and becoming a key player for his club. His success in Qatar has sparked discussions about young footballers who once had immense potential but have struggled to fulfill it due to injuries or other setbacks.

One such player is Ansu Fati, the once-bright star of FC Barcelona. The Spanish winger, hailed as Lionel Messi’s heir, burst onto the scene as a teenager and dazzled the footballing world with his skill, pace, and clinical finishing. For a brief period, he was seen as the future of Barcelona, someone who could lead the club into a new era. His rapid rise earned him the famous No. 10 shirt following Messi’s departure, a sign of the club’s faith in his abilities.

However, injuries cruelly disrupted his meteoric rise. A serious knee injury in 2020 marked the beginning of his troubles, with multiple surgeries and lengthy recoveries preventing him from regaining his best form. Every time he seemed to be on the verge of a comeback, another setback followed, leaving both Barcelona and its fans frustrated. Despite efforts to reintegrate him into the squad, Fati has struggled to make an impact, leading to questions about his long-term future at the club.

Rodri Sánchez, a former La Masia prospect himself, understands the challenges young players face when dealing with injuries and loss of confidence. Speaking in an interview with SPORT, Sánchez expressed his belief that Fati can still resurrect his career if given the right support and opportunities.

“Ansu is a very young lad who has had a couple of serious injuries and bad luck once he came out of surgery. Ansu has tremendous quality and an ease in front of goal, but after injuries, it is very difficult to regain that confidence and even more so if you don’t have enough minutes to show your worth,” he said.

“Ansu is a great person and a great player who will surely return to performing at a high level, even if it is very difficult due to the competition at the club and the few minutes he has had to date.”

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Fati is his mental state. The confidence that once defined him seems to have evaporated. He appears hesitant on the ball, often second-guessing himself instead of taking on defenders like he used to. His lack of playing time under Hansi Flick has further hampered his ability to rebuild his form. While injuries played a significant role in his struggles, Flick’s skepticism about his performances in training has contributed to his limited involvement in matchday squads.

There is growing debate about whether Fati should seek a move away from Barcelona to revive his career. His loan spell at Brighton last season failed to yield the expected results, but another opportunity in a different environment could provide him with the reset he desperately needs. Some argue that a permanent transfer would be the best option, allowing him to escape the immense pressure at Barcelona and start fresh elsewhere.

Despite the current uncertainties, Fati has one major advantage: time. At just 22 years old, he still has plenty of years left to rediscover his best form. Many great players have endured similar struggles early in their careers before finding their way back to the top. If he can strike the right balance between fitness, confidence, and playing time, he still has a chance to become a world-class player.

The coming months will be crucial for Fati’s future. Whether he stays at Barcelona and fights for a place in the squad or decides to move on in search of more consistent playing time, the next phase of his career will determine if he can fulfill the immense potential he once showed. For now, the footballing world watches and waits, hoping to see the resurgence of a player who was once destined for greatness.