Who is Barcelona starlet Marc Guiu? Decoding his profile
Barcelona continued their unbeaten streak with a 1-0 win over Athletic Club on matchday 10 of the 2023-24 La Liga. It was debutant Marc Guiu's goal in the 80th minute that helped the hosts earn all three points from the game. Guiu scripted history by becoming the youngest Barcelona player to score on debut. The 17-year-old La Masia graduate has been very impressive.
Why does this story matter?
Barcelona and Athletic Club were in a major deadlock when Guiu entered the field on his Barcelona debut in the 79th minute and in only 30 seconds, the 17-year-old striker found the net past Spain International Unai Simon. He has impressed coaches in the age group teams with his movement and goal-scoring ability. Even Xavi Hernandez wasn't surprised when Guiu scored in 30 seconds.
Guiu became the youngest Barcelona player to score on debut
As per Opta, at the age of 17 years and 291 days, Guiu became the youngest player for Barcelona to score on debut in La Liga in the 21st century. He scored his first La Liga goal in 33 seconds, faster than any other player.
Barcelona scripted this La Liga record under Xavi
As per Opta, Barcelona have not lost any of their last eight La Liga matches against Athletic Club. They have now won seven and registered a solitary draw in their last eight league meeting against the Lions. Barcelona have won all four of their La Liga matches against Athletic Club under Xavi without conceding a single goal.
Who is La Masia talent Marc Guiu?
Guiu, who has been a regular in Barcelona's junior teams, is an old-fashioned centre forward. He joined Barcelona's youth academy back in 2013. The class of 2006 is one of the most talented bunch at La Masia and hence, no one is surprised that Guiu has taken the step up. Guiu has scored eight goals in 12 matches for the Spain U-17 team.
Joint-highest goal-scorer in the U-17 Euros
Guiu finished with four goals in the 2023 UEFA Euros U-17. He was tied for the highest goal-scorer along with compatriot Lamine Yamal, along with the German duo of Paris Brunner and Robert Ramsak (four goals each). Spain bowed out of the semi-finals after losing to France. Guiu scored a brilliant brace against Italy while scoring once against Ireland and Slovenia in the tournament.
He is a pure centre forward: Ivan Carrasco on Guiu
"I was very happy for Marc, he deserves it,"Guiu's former coach Ivan Carrasco told SPORT. "He is a pure centre forward, a classic '9', a specialist in the area who lives from his physical power. His best virtue is his aerial play. Marc is also very quick and powerful, he is unstoppable with space." Carrasco coached him in the 2021-22 season for Cadete A.
Barcelona remain unbeaten in the La Liga
Barcelona are the only team in the 2023-24 La Liga to remain unbeaten. They are in third position after matchday 10 with seven wins and three draws, securing 24 points. Only arch-rivals Real Madrid and Girona FC are ahead of Xavi's men with 25 points each. The Blaugrana have scored 22 goals and conceded 10. Atletico Madrid with 22 points are in fourth position.
