Pedri, Konrad should utilise chances to convince Koeman to a first-team spot

Barcelona appointed Ronald Koeman as new manager

Barcelona have suffered a set-back following Ansu Fati’s injury.

Barcelona will be without Ansu Fati for four months after undergoing knee surgery.

It comes as a setback for the Blaugrana as the Spaniard has been pivotal for Ronald Koeman in this season.

However, Koeman can still cope up with the absence of Fati as he can turn his attention towards two promising youngsters Pedri and Konrad.

Konrad has been serving Barca’s B team for the past two years and often being called up to train with the first-team.

The 19-year-old has already made his debut with the USMNT senior team while he can also achieve this with Barca should he continue to show progress.

As far as Pedri is concerned, the 17-year-old has impressed with the first team this season, scoring in both La Liga and Champions League.

Furthermore, his series of excellent displays saw him often getting a place in the starting line up despite being the youngest player of the squad.

The Spanish teenager has chipped in well during Coutinho’s absence but the Brazilian’s return could see Pedri revert to the winger role, where he has also showcased his quality.

Pedri also admitted that there are aspects he wants to work on to be successful at the Nou Camp.

“That’s something (scoring goals) I have to improve. Each time I can I shoot in training. Physically too, I am working on it. All to be better in the future.

“From day one he [Koeman] told me I had to work very hard because it was hard to stay at Barca and I think I have, I’ve shown him that I can be here and he backed me by playing me in important games. I have to be grateful to him and keep working.

“I always watch the game again to see where I made a mistake, above all. I focus more on what I did wrong than what I did right. I think the best way to improve day to day is that.”

Besides, Barca can rely on attackers Francisco Trincao and Ousmane Dembele, with the latter one impressing since his return from injury.

Koeman has been put under pressure after hat looks like not an ideal start to La Liga and now the injury to Fati wouldn’t have pleased him either. Yet, the Dutch manager can get the best out of the young attacking talents he has at his disposal.