It’s always brilliant to see a young up and coming talent get their chance on the big stage, but nobody expected the 16-year-old to be shining in the Barcelona first team this season.
However, that’s exactly what’s happened with Fati taking advantage of absences in the Barcelona frontline and grabbing any opportunities on the pitch with both hands.
The forward made history earlier this month by scoring in the 2-2 draw with Osasuna, becoming the Blaugrana’s youngest ever goal-scorer in the top flight of Spanish football.
But Fati’s journey ramped up to an even dizzier zenith during the game with Valencia this weekend, sending another slew of records crashing as Barcelona won 5-2.
Astonishingly, Fati managed to both score and assist in the opening seven minutes, making him the youngest player to do so in one game in La Liga history.
The Bissau-Guinean took his goal with ruthlessness beyond his age, arriving in the box at just the right time and giving former Barcelona ‘keeper Jasper Cillessen no chance between the sticks.
However, his assist was arguably even more impressive as he danced his way down the left flank and turned provider for Frenkie de Jong’s first goal for the club.
While there was to be no goal involvement after that crazy opening to the game, Fati continued to be a thorn in Valencia’s side all evening and almost scored a sensational long shot.
Ernesto Valverde eventually hauled him off for Luis Suarez after 60 minutes, perhaps not wanting to overexpose him too soon, but his performance will still live long in the memories of fans.
So, bearing that in mind, we decided to help supporters hold on to those recollections by trawling through YouTube to find Fati’s full and enthralling individual highlights.
It’s scary to think that a 16-year-old can be so talented so soon, looking completely at home against one of La Liga’s strongest teams and linking up with super stars like Antoine Griezmann.
Unsurprisingly, the whole situation has made Fati incredibly happy and the same can be said for his father, who was integral in the decision to sign for Barcelona.
“This is the happiest day of my life,” he said after Fati’s debut. “When he told us he was being called up by Valverde I started to cry and my wife too. When he came on, we were on cloud nine.
“At six or seven, he came to Spain. I had come here before and I didn’t know he played football. They told me I was not aware of how good my son was and that he was dribbling by everybody.”
