The world of football is about generating expectations at the first change. When a large team makes a signing, even if it is unknown, there is a certain tendency to overestimate it. This is the case of Francisco Trincão, who together with Pedri, Dest, Araújo, Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig, and in the absence of big names due to the economic effects of the pandemic, was pointed out as one of Barça’s future hopes. “No matter how much you criticize his signing, it will mark an era here,” commented from the offices of the Camp Nou about a year ago, shortly after the operation was closed with Sporting de Braga in exchange for more than 30 million of euros.
The figure hurts to see how the Barça box is today, which has needed a generous salary deferral by the first staff to survive, for now, the bankruptcy. But it is also frightening considering the poor performance that Trincão has offered so far, who in the League has never been a starter and has participated in 15 games always coming in from the bench. Koeman tried to make the Portuguese a shocker, but came across a blurred footballer who only provided a goal assist. In the Champions League he has been a starter four times, but he hasn’t been able to add much in attack either. The Cup appears as another opportunity for Trincão, who has already made his debut for his country’s national team, to claim his football. The Barça coach is still confident in his chances: “Coming to this club at just 20 years old is a giant step forward. However, Francisco is on the right track.”
The shadow of André Gomes
Indeed, the artificial turf of Cornellà hosts this Thursday (9 pm, DAZN) the debut of Barça in a competition that, depending on how, could save a “transitional” season. A title where it is already a tradition to see young people from the Masia or first team footballers who need to be smart like Trincão, who has many numbers to start the game on the right side to replace the sanctioned Leo Messi.
The end will form in an experimental eleven in which Pedri and Araújo, two young people already confirmed as green shoots in the key of the campaign, will assume more responsibility than when they play with the first unit. The Canarian has knocked on the door at just 18 years old and is indisputable, while the Uruguayan is forgetting Piqué’s serious injury. Both show the way to follow Trincão, who was compared to Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, generating a completely innocent illusion. For now, however, the former Braga player is more reminiscent of compatriots with a less successful Catalan past, such as André Gomes.
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