Barcelona fans have spoken out to give their verdict on Ansu Fati after his first start in six months.
Barcelona Fans Praise Fati After Surprise Start in Crucial Win Over Mallorca
On Tuesday night, Barcelona edged closer to clinching the 2024/25 La Liga title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Club Deportivo Mallorca at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
The biggest surprise before kick-off came when the team sheet was released: Raphinha, a regular starter, was named on the bench, and Ansu Fati was handed his first start since October. The decision by manager Hansi Flick raised eyebrows, but by the final whistle, fans were singing Fati’s praises.
A product of La Masia and once hailed as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne, Fati has struggled for consistent playing time due to injuries and tactical shifts. Before Tuesday’s match, he had made only 10 appearances all season, with just five in La Liga. The game against Mallorca, therefore, presented a rare and significant opportunity—and Fati delivered.
The 21-year-old featured for just over an hour, but that was enough to rekindle belief in his potential. His performance sparked enthusiastic reactions across social media.
“Great performance from Fati today—he looked sharp for someone who hasn’t played in a while. Definitely should start again next game against Real Valladolid,” one fan wrote.
Another added with more analytical flair: “Fati’s associative intelligence is ridiculous; his ability to process spatial/temporal dynamics, and anticipate passing networks is exceptional. In another universe, under Flick and his central prioritisation, he is a very clear heavy hitter.”
Fati’s showing may have given Flick something to think about ahead of a packed run-in that includes the Copa del Rey final and Champions League fixtures. Whether this performance marks the beginning of a resurgence or simply a flash of brilliance, Barcelona fans were reminded of the extraordinary talent that still lies within one of their own.
While one supporter added a note of cautious optimism: “Excellent 60 minutes from Ansu Fati. I’m refusing to get sucked into hoping too much again but I really liked him. He just generates so much football. Such great awareness, technicality in small spaces and spatial recognition.”
Now 22, Fati has accumulated 122 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 29 goals and providing eight assists. Despite his early promise, his trajectory has been interrupted by injuries and inconsistency.
Last season, he was sent on loan to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in a bid to rediscover his form. However, the spell was underwhelming, with Fati netting just four goals in 27 appearances—a far cry from the impact many hoped he would have.
Still, performances like the one against Mallorca offer a glimpse of what Fati could become under the right guidance. With Hansi Flick at the helm and Barcelona embracing a more fluid, positional style of play, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the once prodigious talent can truly reignite his career at Camp Nou.
