Araujo, Ansu & Riqui Puig: La Masia demanding a chance from Setien
The three youngsters have been bright points from Barça's first two games back
Beyond the wins against Mallorca and Leganes, with each match leaving a different taste, the biggest positive to be drawn from Barcelona's return to action this week is the performances from the academy graduates, who are showing coach Quique Setien that he can count on them between now and the end of the season. Ronald Araujo, Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig are in form -- even better form than some of their more experienced teammates.
Araujo, the Uruguayan centre-back, had his chance against Mallorca. While it wasn't his debut -- he came on against Sevilla earlier in the season, when he was sent off -- it was a bigger test for him as it was his first start and it came after a three-month break and with the title on the line.
He justified Setien's decision to pick him ahead of Samuel Umtiti, with Clement Lenglet suspended. He was always well positioned, did not make a single error and completed 94 percent of his passes. It's true Gerard Pique took on more responsibility when it came to bringing the ball out, but when he was covered, Araujo was happy to step forward. He was good in the air and, if called upon, is ready for another test against one of LaLiga's 'bigger' sides.
Ansu is also ready for a bigger role, although he's been showing that all season. After a fast start, for a mysterious reason, Setien forgot about him to the point that he had played just 17 minutes in the four games before the league was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He didn't play in Mallorca, either, so it was a surprise when he started against Leganes. It was a grey performance from Barcelona but it would have been worse but for the teenager's starring role. He opened the scoring with a clinical strike, showing control and technique from the edge of the box. All in the blink of an eye.
Aside from the goal, it wasn't his best game. He couldn't unbalance the defence like he usually does and was a little predictable in the final third, like his teammates. It's exactly what annoys part of the support: if other players with bigger reputations aren't adding more than Ansu, why are the minutes not shared out better? He once again showed he has a spark. While others are struggling. Ansu knows where the goal is, something that only the chosen few do. The question is: will he have minutes against Sevilla?
Someone who won't, in all likelihood, is Riqui Puig. The midfielder came on in the 73rd minute against Leganes with Barça 2-0 up for his third league appearance this season. Active and "energetic," as Setien admitted, he was heavily involved in the minutes he was on the pitch and had two good chances to score.
In contrast to Araujo and Ansu, the reality for Riqui Puig in the short-term is that he will be limited to sporadic appearances off the bench. The quality of the young midfielder is something that Setien could use to good effect in the latter stages of tight games. La Masia is demanding a chance.
