Dani Rodriguez Joined the U16 Youth team for La Masia in July 2020 from the Real Sociedad Youth team. Ever since then, he has flourished under the roof of La Masia and matured into a promising talent. Some would say that he should be getting more chances in the first team, even more so after the injury of Lamine Yamal. The youngster’s wait might come to an end finally
Copa Del Rey The competition for opportunities
Copa Del has always been a tournament for La Masia talents to make their debut for the first team and get more minutes over the senior players. Early in the competition Barca often faces teams from 3rd or 4th division. This allows younger players to gain experience and prove themselves to the manager. Fermin Lopez shone at the competition last season by scoring Barca’s first goal against Barcastro in Copa Del Rey.
Dani Rodriguez’s time to shine
Dani Rodriguez has been called up by Hansi Flick to train with the first team. The fans expect him to make an appearance in the opening game of Copa Del Rey against Barbastro. Terrifying defenders in the Spanish 3rd division he has both the speed and dribbling skills that the first team needs right now. I believe a player like him will be a key tactical answer against teams with low block that do not give space to players like Raphinha, Lewandoski and Olmo. He is a very similar player to Yamal in the context that he can create something out of nothing. When facing a team playing with a lot of defenders he can get past 2-3 and create a chance either for himself or his teammates as he is equally world-class in his crossing and vision.
