Barcelona staff excited by budding partnership between La Masia duo, expect great success

Over the years, Barcelona has been known for some of world football’s most lethal combinations.

The most recent, and perhaps most successful one was the connection between Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi which gave birth to some of the team’s most memorable goals.

Alba and Messi have reunited at Inter Miami and are set to break many more records. Barcelona, meanwhile, appear to have found their very own novel left back-forward combination.

According to reports from Gerard Romero, the coaching staff is thrilled with the link-up play between Alejandro Balde and Ansu Fati.

They see it as a promising connection that can lead to moments of great success in the years to come.

A strong showing in pre-season

Fati and Balde returned to the stage together in pre-season in Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat to Arsenal. Coming on for the second half, the duo lit up the field and were at the heart of most of the team’s attacking transitions.

However, they did not play a minute together in El Clasico. Fati was brought on in the same window that Balde was taken off, preventing their potential combination on the left flank.

In Barcelona’s final game against AC Milan, it was Balde’s pass to Ansu Fati that resulted in the Catalans’ winning goal. Moreover, the duo share a special understanding from their years at La Masia that reflects on the field.

Ousmane Dembele’s departure is a massive loss for the Blaugranas. However, the administration are willing to bet Fati to fill his shoes and play as a starter for the 2023/24 campaign.

Given that Balde is already a regular starter in Xavi’s setup, Fati’s return to the starting lineup will give the duo more time to hone their connection and conjure moments of brilliance.