An up-and-coming member of the academy setup at La Liga giants Barcelona has today been lavished in praise by one of his former coaches.
The player in question? Mika Faye.
The name of youngster Faye, of course, has taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Catalunya’s capital over the course of the last 24 hours.
As much comes after the defender, still just 19, was afforded a starting debut with the Senegal senior national team.
And, safe to say, Faye went on to make his mark, adding the 2nd goal in a 3-0 drubbing of Gabon courtesy of a stunning long-range strike:
Such exploits came amid what has proven a superb individual season to date on the part of the stopper, whose performances with Rafa Márquez’s Barcelona Atlètic have earned recognition not only in Spain, but across the continent, too.
And, as alluded to above, joining the chorus of praise being directed at Faye this weekend has come one of the Senegalese’s former managers.
Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Ugo Klingor, who oversaw the starlet’s development in Croatia with NK Kustosija, was drawn on the talents boasted by Barcelona’s latest breakthrough talent.
And Klingor, as part of a lengthy response, went on to reveal his opinion that Faye boasts all of the traits required to make it at the very top level of the game:
“Mikayil is a modern player. He is still young, but I firmly believe that he can become a great player.
“I called Mika “Football Monster” from the moment I saw him. The explosiveness and power he produces in attack or defense are unique. At times it seems so easy and simple, that you think he does it with 50% effort. I really believe that Mika can contribute more to the team as a left back than as a center back. His offensive contribution in the final third of the field is enormous. He can attack the spaces behind the lines, he can penetrate with or without the ball. His shooting ability is high (both legs) and his crosses reach the goal on time. I made him play as a winger and I was very happy with his development. I firmly believe that the Barcelona coaches know what is best for him, but I just wanted to share my opinion. Defensively, he can perform steadily and stably.
“Talented players need time, consistency and support. If they can have a solid mentality on the football field, they are very likely to perform at the highest level. Faye is ready and I think he is in one of the best environments for his development. Let’s see where the limits are. I think he is a player for the future of Barcelona… but he will need time…”
Having also taken charge of Joško Gvardiol – now plying his trade with Champions League holders Manchester City – during the early years of his career, Klingor was then asked whether he envisions Faye going as far in football as his fellow stopper.
And the tactician concluded:
“Joško Gvardiol plays at the highest level, so the bar is very high. Let’s all hope Faye can reach this level too… I think he can do it.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
