The signing of Yusuf Demir from Rapid Vienna on July 9, was one that almost went under-radar.
There wasn't much fanfare as the 18-year-old was signed to beef up Barcelona B. But what many Cules don't know is that he was named among 60 of the best young talents in world football for 2020 by the Guardian.
He's showing us why. One month after joining the Blaugrana the 'Austrian Messi' as he's referred in some quarters has impressed Ronald Koeman enough to be part of the first-team this team this season.
Here's a more detailed look at the Austrian:
Playing style
Demir likes to run at defenders and dribble with the ball at his feet. This is one of the things we learned after his first game for the Blaugrana against Nastic.
The teenager can comfortably play anywhere in attacking midfield. During his days in the Austrian Bundesliga he was averaging 3.1 key passes per 90 minutes.
Play him on the wings and he'll deliver. However, he prefers to play on the right wing where he can cut in and shoot with that deadly left foot of his.
Demir enjoys a fast-paced style, which makes him a deadly asset when his team is playing on a quick counter.
Key strength
His passing and dribbling stands him out. Last season, he was completing 4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Austrian Bundesliga.
The former Vienna man is still rough around the edges in terms of shooting, but we can cut him some slack given his age.
Similarities with Messi
Demir and Messi seem cut from the same block. To start with Demir is just about the same height as the Leo. Only 5cm separate the pair with Demir taller.
What it means is that Demir has that low centre of gravity advantage that allows small players to thrive in terms of stamina, dribbling, and pace.
Demir is also left-footed like Messi. And he plays with a lot of fearlessness and confidence. Something we've come to know Messi with.
For scoring, Demir is coming of age in that regard. He scored one gioal in 5 preseason games for Barca. He, however, managed 9 in 38 games for Rapid Vienna last season.
What's been said
Koeman said of Demir after the Stuttgart friendly in which he scored: Demir is a huge talent and is one of the important young players for the team.”
Koeman was mighty impressed with Demir in training before the youngster came good in preseason games.
Besides Messi leaving, what opens the door to Demir in the first team is his ability to play multiple positions. Coaches love such players.
