Barcelona teenage defensive prospect making a solid impression in pre-season training

FC Barcelona have begun their preparations for the new season ahead, with coach Xavi Hernandez taking in a bunch of young talents as part of the group.

One of them is Mikayil Faye. The young Senegalese had joined the club in the summer, for a fee of around €1.5 million. He joined as part of the Barça Atletic team but was included in the pre-season camp with the senior side, along with many other young talents.

A week into the new season preparations, Faye is making quite an impression, reports Mundo Deportivo.

A centre-back by trade, Faye used to ply his trade with NK Kustosija Zagreb prior to his move to Catalonia. Aged only 19, the defender has made a solid impression during his first week of training with the Barcelona senior side.

As per MD, Faye has shown excellent physical strength and aerial ability. Standing at 1.86m, Faye was indeed advertised as a formidable defender, who can add solidity to the backline. He has not disappointed either, showcasing a good physique and discipline under Xavi.

While Faye has room to improve his technical skills, the early signs remain positive. If the teenager can continue his development and train with the Barcelona senior side, he could even be ready for some first-team minutes in the near future.

However, it must be noted that Barcelona already have substantial depth in the central defensive unit. The club have Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Andreas Christensen as first-choice options while Inigo Martinez has joined the club on a free transfer.

There were uncertainties surrounding the future of Eric Garcia, the former Manchester City starlet has no plans to leave Camp Nou either.

Faye, therefore, must exercise patience and a good mentality as he looks to work his way up the Barcelona chain in the years to come. But it will be imperative for the player to do well this pre-season and possibly feature in at least one of Barcelona’s friendlies during the US tour.