It was a much-changed Barcelona side that swept Murcia aside in the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie on Tuesday night.
Players like Paco Alcacer and Thomas Vermaelen were brought back in from the cold in what can only be termed a window dressing exercise. That said, both played a vital role in ensuring that the second leg at the Camp Nou should be a formality. Ditto Gerard Deulofeu.
One other player who stood out for his attacking prowess throughout was Jose Arnaiz.
Who, you might ask?
The youngster has been ripping it up for Barca B and looks every inch the elite marksman.
Indeed, the goal which underscored his debut gave his endeavour a reward, after the player did exactly what was asked of him by Ernesto Valverde. Get at the home defence, put them under pressure, force them into mistakes.
Players like Paco Alcacer and Thomas Vermaelen were brought back in from the cold in what can only be termed a window dressing exercise. That said, both played a vital role in ensuring that the second leg at the Camp Nou should be a formality. Ditto Gerard Deulofeu.
One other player who stood out for his attacking prowess throughout was Jose Arnaiz.
Who, you might ask?
The youngster has been ripping it up for Barca B and looks every inch the elite marksman.
Indeed, the goal which underscored his debut gave his endeavour a reward, after the player did exactly what was asked of him by Ernesto Valverde. Get at the home defence, put them under pressure, force them into mistakes.
The goal was a typical Arnaiz finish. Ostensibly right-footed, the striker likes to play more on the left-flank so that he’s able to cut inside and cause havoc – exactly as he did against Murcia.
Quick and with a sharp football brain, he has shone in the Spanish second division (Segunda) for Barca already in 2017/18, with four goals before Tuesday’s match, and three assists.
Every time Arnaiz picked up the ball in Murcia’s half, the defenders backed off of him, allowing him the space he needed to fire home on 60 minutes. A double dragback just a few minutes later also had the crowd on their feet and applauding.
The 22-year-old is actually a Real Madrid fan, is represented by Sergio Ramos’ brother Rene, and his idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. Nevertheless, the Blaugrana have him tied down to a three-year deal with the option of a further two. He’s going nowhere at this point and with good reason.
Quick and with a sharp football brain, he has shone in the Spanish second division (Segunda) for Barca already in 2017/18, with four goals before Tuesday’s match, and three assists.
Every time Arnaiz picked up the ball in Murcia’s half, the defenders backed off of him, allowing him the space he needed to fire home on 60 minutes. A double dragback just a few minutes later also had the crowd on their feet and applauding.
The 22-year-old is actually a Real Madrid fan, is represented by Sergio Ramos’ brother Rene, and his idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. Nevertheless, the Blaugrana have him tied down to a three-year deal with the option of a further two. He’s going nowhere at this point and with good reason.
He comes from Patrocinio de San Jose near Toledo and, believe it or not, started out on his footballing journey as a goalkeeper, even winning awards for his prowess between the sticks.
Originally at Real Valladolid, where he made his debut almost two years ago against Leganes, his rise has even captured the attention of national team manager Julen Lopetegui, who has had the youngster watched on a number of occasions.
The only issue that should concern Valverde is how to progress him from this point. A season or two in the B team won’t hurt but if Luis Suarez is still in situ, what then? Alcacer is also ahead of him in the pecking order.
Like so many other La Masia talents, it would be a travesty for the club if they were to end up losing such a talent. They’d only have themselves to blame.
Originally at Real Valladolid, where he made his debut almost two years ago against Leganes, his rise has even captured the attention of national team manager Julen Lopetegui, who has had the youngster watched on a number of occasions.
The only issue that should concern Valverde is how to progress him from this point. A season or two in the B team won’t hurt but if Luis Suarez is still in situ, what then? Alcacer is also ahead of him in the pecking order.
Like so many other La Masia talents, it would be a travesty for the club if they were to end up losing such a talent. They’d only have themselves to blame.
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