Barcelona’s Xavi ready to give Senegalese youngster Faye a chance with first team

Mikayil Faye on his international debut against Gabon | Instagram

Barcelona’s Xavi ready to give Senegalese youngster Faye a chance with first team

Ayoola Kelechi 16:04 - 12.04.2024

Senegalese youngster Mikayil Faye could get his chance with the Barcelona first team

Barcelona's head coach, Xavi Hernandez, has stirred excitement among the club's fanbase with his recent comments hinting at an imminent first-team debut for a promising young talent.

After a brief hiatus, Barcelona is gearing up to resume their campaign with a crucial LaLiga fixture against Cádiz on Saturday night. This match comes sandwiched between the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Faye set for Barcelona call-up amidst rotation and rest

In light of the demanding schedule and the importance of upcoming fixtures, Xavi is expected to make significant changes to his starting lineup for the clash against Cadiz. This decision aims to provide much-needed rest to key players while giving opportunities to lesser-seen members of the squad.

One player who has caught the attention of both fans and the coaching staff is Mikayil Faye, a 19-year-old talent from Senegal. Faye has been training with the first team for several weeks and has impressed with his performances for Barca Atlètic under the guidance of Rafa Márquez.

During a press conference on Friday afternoon, Xavi spoke about Faye's potential involvement in the upcoming match, all but confirming his inclusion in the matchday squad. The coach expressed confidence in Faye's readiness for the challenge, highlighting the rigorous preparation of young talents nurtured at La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy.

Xavi stated, "He’ll be part of the squad. He’s ready. We’re watching and following them (the young talents). They are very prepared footballers. La Masia always pays off. Faye, Casado… the competition is fierce. But he is ready in my eyes, yes.”

Ready for the Challenge

Xavi's endorsement of Faye's readiness for first-team action underscores the club's commitment to promoting and developing young talents. Despite fierce competition for places in the squad, Faye has evidently impressed the coaching staff with his dedication and skill.

The inclusion of Faye in the matchday squad is a testament to the success of Barcelona's youth development system. La Masia continues to produce talented players capable of making significant contributions to the first team, reaffirming the club's identity and philosophy.

As Barcelona prepares to face Cádiz with a blend of seasoned professionals and promising youngsters, anticipation builds among fans eager to witness the debut of Mikayil Faye. His inclusion symbolises the club's commitment to nurturing talent and building for the future under the guidance of Xavi Hernandez.

Xavi's decision to integrate Mikayil Faye into the first-team setup reflects Barcelona's ongoing dedication to youth development and the promotion of homegrown talent. As Faye prepares to make his debut against Cádiz, all eyes will be on the young Senegalese player as he seeks to seize his opportunity and make a positive impression on the pitch.

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