There is often an identity associated with FC Barcelona that visualizes a certain style of football. Flowing, strategic, positionally astute, and always capable of ensuring quality football is based on the technical abilities of the player in question, that is the identity commonly associated with Barca.
While, to an extent, this identity does reflect the key attributes of the geniuses produced from the Barcelona academy, it is a belief that is seldom broken.
The academy anomaly
According to the latest update on one of the most peculiar cases found in the Barcelona youth ranks, it appears that an anomaly of sorts has indeed appeared.
As per the assessment made by Spanish outlet SPORT, 15-year-old Oscar Gistau is among the ones to watch in the upcoming generation of Barcelona talents. According to their observation, the player is a distinct separation from the typical products of La Masia.
Classic ‘9’
In the case of Gistau, he is identified as a classic number nine, one that is built on the virtues of a pure goal-scoring machine rather than a ventriloquist of technical brilliance. His primary traits and strengths lie in his physicality, goal-scoring sense, and the viciousness of his strike.
Recent hattrick
All of these characteristics were evident in Barcelona Juvenil B’s most recent match versus UE Figueres. Between starting the game and being replaced in the 76th minute, Oscar Gistau scored a hat trick that demonstrated his abilities.
Gistau completed his hattrick in the 32nd, 52nd, and 66th minutes as Barcelona Juvenil B maintained their 5-0 hammering of their opponents. His goals were all valid instances of his striker’s instinct and his purely battering ram-esque play style.
A forward with efficiency
Efficient off the ball and possessing quick decision-making when on it, it is no secret that this player is one that many within the youth setup have kept a special eye on.
Depending on his development, it will be interesting to see how rapidly he progresses through the youth ranks and how quickly he can get others at Barcelona to familiarise themselves with this upcoming traditional number nine.