A brief glimpse of Ansu Fati's potential shows he's ready for Barça challenge

Every FC Barcelona supporter is still in awe at Ansu Fati's 15-minute spell against Villarreal. The La Masia graduate changed the entire mood of the contest and injected much-needed pace and killer instinct to a side which was struggling to break down their opponents and who were in danger of letting their lead slip.

The Camp Nou has already sounded their approval and Ansu Fati, despite being just 16, is showing all the characteristics needed to succeed at the highest level. He demands the ball, takes on his marker, is brave and is always looking to create an opportunity. He didn't score or grab an assist in his cameo against Villarreal but he turned the match on its head and was easily the most impressive player on the pitch.

Suárez's replacement

Ansu was Ernesto Valverde's final change of the contest. Luis Suarez continues his own struggles after a spell on the sidelines and less than a minute of entering the field of play, he offered more in attack than the Uruguayan. The winger drove into the box and unleashed a shot which sailed inches over the bar. Ansu was called offside but it forced Villarreal to retreat and deal with the new threat on the pitch rather than push forward in search of an equaliser. 

It didn't take long - less than a minute later - for Ansu to send another warning sign to Villarreal. After nice link up play with Junior he let fly once again, beating Sergio Asenjo, but his shot cannoned back off the post. In two minutes Ansu had created two efforts on goal. The Camp Nou came alive.

taking centre stage

The young forward combined well with Arthur and Junior but couldn't quite get himself in a position to hurt Villarreal. He went down in the box but VAR said 'no foul'. His introduction gave the team - and supporters - a needed lift.

Albiol, at 34, struggled to deal with Ansu's lightning speed and brought the youngster down. The referee showed leniency not to hand the veteran defender a second yellow card.

In injury time, Ansu linked up well with Frenkie de Jong but wasn't able to find enough space to generate a goalscoring opportunity. He might not have left his mark on the scoreboard but there's no question that when Ansu is out on the pitch, Barça look a lot more dangerous.