A key differentiating factor at Barcelona this season has been the way how each and every individual has stepped up to the plate whenever required.
Under the leadership of Hansi Flick, the entire team has produced goods this season, starting from first-team regulars such as Robert Lewandowski and Pedri, to young talents such as Pau Cubarsi and Marc Casado.
However, one player who is still yet to make an impact at Barcelona this season is Ansu Fati. And as we approach closer to the January transfer window, it appears time is running out for the Spaniard.
Flick doesn’t trust Fati to change a game
A recent report from SPORT paints a rather grim picture, as far as Fati’s future is concerned.
Earlier in the summer, Flick took it upon himself to retrieve the best version of Fati, who was coming on the back of a loan spell at Brighton.
However, after struggles with injuries and a lack of game-time, the Spaniard has not made any impact. He has featured in 158 minutes of football this term, failing to either score or assist a goal.
As a result of his underperformance, Flick is slowly losing trust in the explosive winger. As per the report, the German no longer believes that Fati is capable of changing a match.
Flick feels Fati doesn’t offer the ‘x-factor’, even when coming from the bench. This was evident last night when the Spaniard failed to make any impact after coming against Sociedad.
The road ahead
As the season progresses, the hype that was building around Fati this season is slowly fading away and it might ultimately end up with a scenario, where the forward may have to settle for a move away from Catalonia.
With Barcelona likely to face continued economic stress, a winter move for Fati cannot be ruled out.
The coming few matches, therefore, could be pivotal for Fati as he desperately looks to make a mark under Flick this season.
