Barcelona defensive starlet: “I would have laughed if they told me I will be a starter”

Barcelona’s Oscar Mingueza has been an absolute revelation this season. The young defender was a hidden gem before Ronald Koeman discovered his quality and promoted him to the first team. He has since come into his own massively, putting in one wonderful performance after another.

Speaking to Cadena SER during an interview on the ‘El Larguero’ podcast, Mingueza reviewed Barcelona’s season and talked about what it means to play for the first team, his rise to the top and his future among other things.

His introspective nature was evident through the interview, as he said: “I always watch the games every time after I play. I try to be quite self-critical, even if there are small details. I pay more attention to the mistakes rather than the successes.”

READ: In praise of Oscar Mingueza: Barcelona’s safety net this season

He was still seemingly star-struck about the opportunity to play for the Barcelona first team: “If they had told me at the beginning of the season that I was going to be a starter in the Barcelona first team, I would‘ve laughed. It was almost unthinkable.”

About Ronald Koeman’s role in his development and the Dutchman’s continuity, he said: “The team has improved. It was difficult for us to start, but this team needed time. For the next year I hope Koeman continues and I am very grateful for everything he has given me.”

He then spoke about his teammates and in particular, his defensive colleagues: “Piqué is my number one reference since I arrived. I like his elegance, his way of playing with the ball, his great leadership and I think he is one of the best in history.”

“Araújo? I like his physique, his leadership. He has improved a lot with the ball. When he arrived, in the position games he said that he was very lost, but now he has improved,” said Mingueza about the Uruguayan who has also reached astronomical levels.

The 21-year-old also talked about Pedri and the return of Eric Garcia, whose arrival in the summer seems imminent: “I’ve seen Eric García grow up here at Barça, he seems to be a spectacular center-back to me.”

“Pedri is a great player, he has immense quality. He is sure to bring a lot of joy to this club,” he added, speaking of the Canarian midfielder who has established himself as one of the most promising prospects in Spain and perhaps even world football.

Of course a conversation about Barcelona entails talking about Messi, especially now when his future is still undecided. Mingueza was quick to express his admiration for the great man: “Nobody who loves the club can complain about what he has given us. I hope to enjoy him for more years. You have to look out for him. Messi has helped me a lot. We are players who are very united.”

“We have not talked about my future yet, there was no board of directors. My contract ends in the summer, but I’m not worried, there is still a long season ahead. I hope to continue at Barça for many more years,” concluded the talented youngster about his future with Barcelona.