AnsuFAti-epa24082019

Ernesto Valverde excited by teenage star Ansu Fati

FC Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde was full of praise for teenage star Ansu Fati following the 5-2 win over Real Betis.

The La Masia academy graduate came off the bench during the second half of the Camp Nou clash, becoming the youngest FC Barcelona senior player since 1941 – aged 16 years and 298 days.

He impressed the former Athletic Bilbao boss, and was unlucky not to register a debut goal in the closing stages.

"He is a very confident player.

"He played really well and I expected him to have an impact – that is why I brought him on.

"But his extra quality has surprised us today.

"He is young, but we think he can help us this season."

Valverde is expected to be without Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele for at least another three weeks due to injury, with Lionel Messi only just working his way back to full fitness.

Tags Ansu Fati Ernesto Valverde FC Barcelona
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