It was the end of 2005. Barça’s famous 3-0 win at the Bernabeu after Ronaldinho’s masterclass.
When the starting 11 was announced, I was very surprised to learn that Rijkaard decided to start a 17 y/o inexperienced Messi (newly promoted to the first team), instead of the regular starter, Giuly.
I was watching that game in a pub with an academy coach. I said “This doesn’t make any sense, he’s barely played a couple of pro games, how will he handle a game with so much pressure as a Clásico in Madrid” . And I still remember his answer.
“It depends on the coach’s assessment of the player’s personality. Some are so young that they aren’t fully aware of all the pressure & responsibility that comes with playing for a top club.
Thus they are more relaxed, they play more freely. They take more risks and make bold choices exactly because they are not fully aware of what’s at stake.”
He said that about Messi at the time (and was right). And watching Ansu Fati’s behavior on the pitch, I reminded of that conversation. Even though he’s only 17, Ansu Fati seems so relaxed & natural when he plays with the 1st team. As if pressure had no hold on him.
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