Ansu Fati’s selection to the Spanish team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup was by far the biggest surprise in Luis Enrique’s final squad.
The Spain head coach had been pointing out Fati’s lack of progress due to injuries for months, before eventually including him in his final squad. It was a surprise to many, especially ones who felt that the youngster has suffered much from injuries and had not played enough to warrant a call-up.
Fati, though, is prepared to make full use of the opportunity and make a name for himself in the World Cup.
In a recent press interaction, the Barcelona attacker confirmed the same, while thanking Enrique for the selection. “I feel no added pressure of playing the World Cup, I’m ready. I want to thank Luis Enrique,” he said (h/t Barça Universal).
Highly regarded as one of the most talented players to come out of Spanish football in recent years, Fati has had a slow start to the season so far. He has earned only three starts in the league, falling behind Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha in the pecking order.
However, Fati’s struggles can be largely attributed to the injury problems he is experienced over the past year and a half. But with the player now seemingly returning to full fitness, his selection to the Spain team could be warranted.
Not to mention, Fati has proven himself at the highest level in the past. He has 78 competitive appearances to his name at Barça while securing four caps for the Spanish national team. His contributions in the final third could be critical for La Roja, in their bid to once again clinch the World Cup title next month.