Mikayil Faye: An option for FC Barcelona in adversity?

Barca Athletic defender Mikayil Faye has produced many impressive performances recently and could be an excellent option for Xavi’s FC Barcelona in adversity. 

Mikayil Faye’s impressive run for Barca Athletic

When Barcelona signed the young defender last summer, they envisioned the young Senegalese playing for the first team in the future. While his progress might have been slow in the initial phase of the season, Faye has clearly adapted to the Spanish side well and has delivered masterful performances for Barcelona’s B team, Barca Athletic. The defender has also cemented his spot in Barca Athletic and aided the side to an impressive second place in the Primera Federation of Spain. 

What separates Mikayil Faye from others his age isn’t  just that he has been impressive in defense, but has also delivered going forward. His thunderous free-kick in Barcelona Athletic’s previous league game saw the Blaugrana club win a closely contested thriller against Osasuna B 2-3. The stunning free-kick came in the 89th minute on the cusp of the box from where the young Mikayil Faye blasted the ball over the wall right into the middle of the net. Osasuna’s keeper could only helplessly dive in an attempt to stop the ball as the ball had touched the back of the net even before he completed diving. 

The free-kick saw Barcelona win the game and continue their charge for the top. While Mikayil’s goal was certainly the highlight of his performance, his recent performances in defense have made him a real option for Barcelona for several reasons as La Blaugrana face adversity in signing big stars to the side.

Mikayil Faye: An option for Xavi’s Barcelona?

A massive factor also driving the Mikayil Faye conversation isn’t just his ability in central defense or attack, but also his ability to adapt to various roles across the pitch. This campaign, Faye has displayed his caliber in the left-back position as well whenever deployed in the position and has threatened the opposition’s wide defense on several occasions. With Marcos Alonso slated for a move away from FC Barcelona in the summer and young Alejandro Balde still recovering from injury, Faye could be a serious contender to start in the position going forward.

Mikayil has already trained with the first team this season and has slowly adapted to Xavi’s teachings as well. As the business end of the season approaches, Xavi could be tempted to give the Senegalese an opportunity in a bid to rest the ever present Joao Cancelo. It remains to be seen whether the 19 year old will receive an opportunity this season, but Barcelona have already hinted at his participation in the club’s pre-season next campaign. With La Blaugrana struggling financially, a young Mikayil Faye could prove to be a valuable asset not only in central defense but also as a left-back.   

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