As Ivan Rakitic’s deflected pass bounced into the path of Munir El Haddadi, the Camp Nou faithful awaited the next moment with bated breath. Thankfully, and almost expectedly, the soon-to-be 19-year-old attacker was cool as ice, flicking the ball into the opposite corner with his left foot before the celebrations ensued. A star was born.
However for Barca fans, it may not have been too much of a shock. Munir lit up pre-season for La Blaugrana. In fact was his fantastic performances that pushed La Masia graduate and another highly-touted youngster, Gerard Deulofeu, to the south of Spain, where he’s plying his trade on loan at Sevilla this season.
In recent years the famed La Masia academy has experienced a slowdown, at least by Barcelona’s lofty standards. This criticism may have been unfair – after all, in the last decade we’ve seen the emergence of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique and one Lionel Messi.
But while Thiago Alcantara has proven himself at Bayern Munich the likes of Marc Bartra, Martin Montoya, Cristian Tello and Sergi Roberto have struggled to truly make a significant impact in recent years. And lest we forget Bojan Krkic, who some claimed could be even better than Messi. He’s now plying his trade at Stoke City.
With Luis Enrique at the helm it seems Barca are heading back to their roots, or at least attempting to. In the first game of the season, against Elche, Barca boasted six academy players in the starting line-up and while Messi was able to do his usual magic, it was Munir who perhaps left the greatest impression.
The recent La Masia graduates, especially in attack, have been all flash and little substance. While Munir isn’t at all lacking in the flair department, he’s supplemented this with excellent work-rate, intelligent running and great team play.
Munir’s defensive work has won him major plaudits as well. In recent seasons Barca have been criticized, and rightly so, by their fans for abandoning the pressing that played such a crucial role in their heyday. Munir’s defensive effort has been a breath of fresh air.
But it isn’t an accident. Enrique has been very trusting of his youngsters but Munir has impressed all of his coaches for a while now. No player since Messi himself has moved as quickly as Munir as through the Barcelona ranks. His meteoric rise from Juvenil A to the first team is mindboggling.
Consider this: Munir was promoted to Barca B merely six months ago, where he played 10 games, starting only four of them. Now he’s starting in La Liga and is part of the Spain squad.
Under the new Enrique project it’s clear that Munir will have ample chance to showcase his talent. It’s a perfect situation for him, playing alongside Messi and Neymar with a competent midfield bolstered by the arrival of Ivan Rakitic.
Luis Suarez won’t be there to take his position for a couple of months so Munir can find his role in the team without too much pressure. And with Barca’s transfer ban Munir will be able to learn and grow without the pressure of a future big name signing taking his spot.
