Barcelona defender Marc Cucurella, on loan at Getafe, has spoke exclusively to SPORT about Ansu Fati's first few days as a Spain international.
Ansu, 16, received the call up to Spain U21s for this week's friendly against Montenegro last week when Carles Perez was ruled out with a muscle problem.
How's Ansu settled in over these last few days?
He's integrated really well. He ha a lot of quality. It's not normal to be where he is at his age. He's a player that can contribute a lot for us.
What's his biggest strength?
Above all he's great one on one, he always looks to go at the opposition. The goal is always in his mind, he's shown that and he makes defences suffer.
You playing the big brother role in the camp?
I try to treat players as I would like to be treated if I was in their situation. It's important that he's comfortable and feels at home from the first day. He is very young, so we have to take care of him and treat him well.
What about Marc Cucurella, as good as a winger as he is at full-back...
Everything's going very well. I am getting minutes and am able to enjoy football. For a young player, it's important to get minutes at your club and above all to do well. That allows you the reward of coming with the national team.
The best way of getting over missing out on the Euros will be to go to the Olympics?
No player likes to be left out of a squad, but there were a lot of good players. You could see that at the Euros, when they won the title. Now I am here and I want to take advantage of it. The Olympics are a dream and it's a unique opportunity.
visakmn
1
For Fati playing for a NT is something to be proud because you represent your country and so on.
Yusacelopu
2
spain
nadbcmpst
1
He us just 16 years old & media be like he already won Golden Boot,Ballon D'or & WC. I hope that much fame & overwhelming compliments won't effect him
missionon
1
I think it's just so there's no chance Fati can play for any one but Spain
lively
1
Fati looks like he might be in the next 2 years, getting him an early short cap in a friendly is a reasonable decision. Moreno can get to know him and he can have a smell of senior NT.
Lodovico
1
Fati's a fast winger that's eager to take players on which a team like Spain sorely lacks, it's not too crazy to think he could be useful to that team.
Samuelere
0
For a smaller NT Fati could start. Like Denmark, maybe.
Clusesed
0
You do realise that just because Fati smiles that doesn’t mean he can’t have mental health issues.
againlike
0
They could play Fati against Malta in November.
fencing
0
Unless Fati has no interest in playing for Guinea-Bissau or Portugal anyway.
illusion
0
Obviously, but Fati's demeanor in practice and games is that of someone who doesn’t look fazed by the pressure in any way.
Tyranny
0
Ansu Fati to sign the biggest legends contract in history
usefull
0
Playing for Spain is an honor but I'm 100% sure this call is to play Fati just like 10 mins and "locking" the chance to play for Guinea-Bissau.
proverbs
22
In a month we'll see Fati be called up to the Earth Squad chosen to play against the aliens
Wendyritchier
0
Why dont they call up Inaki Williams then because Fati doesn't play on the wing
Ironkings
1
For Fati playing for a NT is something to be proud because you represent your country and so on.
Rosaboss
0
We talked about him when Xavi Simmons move... Ansu Fati was rumoured to leave for Dortmund so we made him our priority, Ilaix Moriba is the other one.
Everaedo
0
To be honest Fati is not being considered to be part of the squad. He's just going on the list one or two times so he's locked into playing for Spain.
Seaceron
0
Well, that's how it works and Fati was aware. At the time of his call there were certain expectations and hype, I don't think the "we know he isn't good enough but we will call him anyway" was a general sentiment.
smartjuo
0
Ansu Fati was rumoured to leave for Dortmund
Obamake
0
Also very very good at finishing. I mean damn good for Fati's age unlike majority of the wingers I've seen.
Remolos
0
Fati reminds of Willian a lot. Some insanely good patches of form in some matches and utterly abysmal for most matches. That inconsistency is the reason he's not being called up I guess.
welcome13
0
Fati actually started as a striker and transformed into a left winger to improve his dribbling according to this article
hundredth
0
And the week after Fati will be done with football and retire
iamuttu
1
Cucu
TaslimAlamat
2
Yes definitely Cucurella help Fati to permanently settled in Spain 21