Ansu Fati to be Barcelona's next No.9? Xavi predicts future of 'special player'

Published : May 02, 2022, 11:42 AM IST

Barcelona ended their horrific run of three straight defeats at Camp Nou with a 2-1 win over Mallorca and they welcomed back Ansu Fati after three and a half months out injured.

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Ansu Fati to be Barcelona's next No.9? Xavi predicts future of 'special player'
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Ending their horrific run of three straight defeats at Camp Nou, Barcelona registered a 2-1 win over Real Mallorca in their La Liga clash on Sunday, which also the return of Ansu Fati after three and a half months.

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Top scorer Memphis Depay netted Barca's first goal and when Sergio Busquets doubled their lead in the second half, coach Xavi Hernandez thought it was a good time to send Fati in for his first minutes since he was injured away at Athletic Bilbao in January.

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Mallorca wrestled their way back in the game with a goal from Antonio Raillo. However, their fightback was not enough to stop the Catalan club from moving to second in the La Liga table.

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Following this win, Xavi stated the win was very important and added, "Three points are crucial for us to continue and qualify for Champions League next season. Good feelings today. I am satisfied because the team played, not excellent, but a good game."

Watch: Barcelona boss talks about crucial win over Mallorca

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Meanwhile, the Barcelona boss revealed his long term plans for Ansu Fati, who marked his return after following a carefully monitored recovery programme from persistent knee and hamstring problems.

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“I am very happy with him. He’s made an effort to be ready for the final stretch of the season. He makes a difference, he’s special, but we must take care of him. I’ve tested him out as a No.9 because I think he has to play in the penalty area," Xavi stated.

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"He’s a special player, who scores goals. They hit him accidentally and go in. I see him more as a No.9, than a winger. He doesn’t have the pace or physical ability back yet, but he’s happy," the Barcelona boss added.

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Barcelona goes to Top Four rivals Real Betis next weekend, as they aim to wrap up a Champions League spot, before ending the campaign with matches against Celta Vigo, Getafe and Villarreal.

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