TEENAGE sensations will have to be Barcelona’s bread and butter moving forward.
The cash-strapped Catalans are having to rely on youngsters as boss Ronald Koeman attempts to rebuild the club’s reputation, after a poor season domestically and in Europe.
Pedri, 18, has already shown what a talent he is – as one of Barça’s standouts in another dismal campaign, as well as a star-turn at the Euros for Spain.
But on the other wing, it’s Yusuf Demir who could join the little playmaker in terrorising LaLiga defences.
The Austrian born wideman, 18, made his debut for the fallen giants in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao over the weekend.
His teasing appearance at such a tender age saw Demir become the youngest foreigner to play for the club since Lionel Messi in 2004.
It’s no surprise than he’s already drawing comparisons to the legendary Argentinian.
LOAN TO BUY
Effectively, Demir is currently on loan to Barcelona from Rapid Vienna in a deal that includes a £9million option to buy next summer.
But Koeman had no worries about throwing the talent into the deep end at the fiery San Mames stadium with the scores level.
“Demir has had a hard time in the big San Mames stadium because he’s still very young,” the Dutch coach said after the game.
“But it is very good for him to have made his debut here to begin to adapt to football of this level.”
Demir, himself, was equally as buzzing about making his bow.
“It’s an honour for me to play for this beautiful club,” he told Barça TV.
“It feels like a kid’s dream come true. I worked really hard to reach this stage and I’m really happy to make my debut”.
ESTABLISHED IN AUSTRIA
Demir was born in Vienna to Turkish parents.
He was signed by Rapid in 2013 aged just 10, before making his debut as a 17-year-old in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Soon, his ability had attracted a host of scouts from clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg and Inter Milan.
But, he only had eyes for the Blaugrana when Rapid revealed they were willing to cash in on their prized asset.
“I only want to play for Barcelona,” he reportedly told his bosses, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Some 31 games and six goals later, he was loaned to Barca, who couldn’t afford the transfer fee to buy him this year.
BLISTERING START
It is expected that Demir will play most of his football with Barcelona’s B team in the Segunda Division.
However, after impressing Koeman over pre-season he might’ve forced his way into the ex-Everton manager’s first team plans.
The confident kid first dazzled fans in a game against Gimnastic in July. He then went on to play a part in four more friendlies.
It’s astonishing that within a month of his arrival he had already impressed Koeman enough to be handed a chance.
Demir has been used as a midfielder, winger on the left and right, as well as a forward.
His versatility could be key to his success at the Nou Camp.
And he’s proving himself to be popular amongst his peers already. He was one of the few players invited to Messi’s farewell dinner at his home, before his PSG departure.
While his cheeky and irreverent personality has already endeared him to team-mates.
A few impressive performances for Barcelona, and he will prove just as much a hit with the fans too.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
