download All Football App

Konrad de la Fuente has an unbeatable chance to convince Koeman

  /  autty

With injury to Ansu Fati opening up a spot in the Barcelona attack, Konrad de la Fuente has the perfect opportunity to show Ronald Koeman what he can do as he starts for the USA against Wales.

Yet to make his competitive debut for the club, he is highly rated both in Barcelona and by US national team coach Gregg Berhalter.

The winger formed part of the Barcelona first team in pre-season and has impressed, alongside fellow American, Sergino Dest, who arrived this summer.

The 19-year-old attacker's direct style and precise finishing has caught the eye in the youth ranks at Barcelona and his fine form in the Segunda División B playoffs, scoring twice and providing an assist in the three games played, impressed coaches.

Capped at under 16, under 18 and under 20 level by the United States, he now makes his debut for the senior team.

Born in the US, he moved to Spain at the age of 10, when his father got a job at the Haitian consulate in Barcelona and began a sporting career, joining the Camp Nou club at the age of 13 after spells with CE Tecnofutbol and CF Damm Youth.

Now, he could become the second American to play for Barcelona, missing out on the title of being the first to do so after the arrival of Dest from Ajax and then making his debut before Koeman had turned to De la Fuente.

With Fati now out injured and squad options limited, De la Fuente could get that chance and the odds will be boosted if he shines for his country.

The full US team to face Wales includes Zack Steffen, Sergino Dest, Matt Miazga, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, John Brooks, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Yunus Mussah, Konrad de la Fuente and Sebastian Lletget.

Related: Barcelona