Last season, after the departure of Ansu Fati to Brighton at the horn, Barcelona was left without the number ’10’. The youth player was chosen by the club to inherit the number that Leo Messi wore for so many yearsin the same way that the Argentine succeeded Ronaldinho in the summer of 2008. The successor, in both cases, represented a change in hierarchy, the beginning of a new legacy.
Despite having spent the last season in the Premier League, Ansu continues to be Barça’s ’10’. His intention is to do preseason at the Ciutat Esportiva and then travel to the United States, where Barça will face Real Madrid, Manchester City and Milan, to convince Flick. In the background in terms of numbers is Lamine Yamal. The one from Rocafonda is, due to talent, hierarchy and future, a candidate to wear that number ’10’. But he has some doubts.
Over the past few days, there has been talk of the possibility that he might be offered the number. He debuted last year with the 39 and during this season he has worn the 27. With the National Team, in Germany, he wears number 19. And although in Barça’s youth ranks he has worn number 10, as well as number 7, he knows that the meaning is different in the first team. The club offered Ansu the 10 when Messi came out to quickly plug the wound. And Lamine keeps it in mind.
The Catalan forward would not have everything to inherit the ’10’, always waiting for what will happen with Ansu’s future. This past season was the first time in 27 years that the number went unused.. Since 1995, it has been worn by Ángel Cuéllar, Gheorge Hagi, Giovanni Silva, Jari Litmanen, Rivaldo, Riquelme, Ronaldinho, Messi and Ansu. Before, Maradona or Romario had also worn it.
’10’ is not just a number. He represents leadership, talent and above all enthusiasm, something that Barcelona fans thirst for. And Lamine, somehow, doesn’t. needs. Although, of course, at the club level it would be a boost for his image. Lamine is in no rush, although she burns through stages at the speed of light. Everything will come, but she is not sure if it is time to be the ’10’. She will turn 17 in the next few weeks.
