Hundreds of players pass through La Masia, and few academy graduates get to the first team. So when one speaks up, people listen.
Of course the easy answer for all former Barcelona players is the question about which teammate impressed them the most. La Liga Santander player Marc Bartra, speaking at an event for LiveScore, said:
“The best player I’ve played with as a teammate has been Leo Messi, no doubt. There’s been no one better than him, neither now or in the past. For me he’s the best in history because he’s so complete.”
The simple part is being one of those players that has only played with Messi and never with Cristiano Ronaldo – that way you don’t have to choose sides. Portuguese international Trincão has to be a bit more diplomatic, even if both legends are winding down their illustrious careers. Though Barta did mention Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski as two of the best players he’s ever faced.
In the conversation, Bartra also mentioned Fati as the youngster in La Liga that has the best chance at reaching the peak of the sport. The current Real Betis centre-back said:
“There are many. Of the very young ones, I’d say Ansu Fati. He’s 17 years old and I see a lot of potential, because he’s got everything. I’ve followed him since he was very young and as a player he is fast, skillful, can take on players, is a good finisher (which is perhaps the most important thing). I think he will mark an era in LaLiga (if he stays playing here) and on the world stage.”
Fati is currently injured, but there could be a silver lining to the injury. The teenager was playing a lot of minutes at a high level at a time when his body is still developing. He is already spectacular, so the hope would be that he can get back to his best and put this injury completely behind him. Surgery is a risk, but it could also mean that this is never an issue again. In the meantime, Barcelona will need to find a way to replace their leading scorer this season.
Oddly enough, Fati was one of the few players that didn’t get on the scoresheet when Barcelona beat Real Betis 5-2 before the international break. A match-up this weekend against Atletico Madrid should be a bit tighter. The same goes for Betis against Athletic Club.
Marc Bartra was speaking at an event for LiveScore, Official Global Scoring Partner of LaLiga Santander. LiveScore’s iOS and Android app is available to download now: www.livescore.com/mobile
