Ansu Fati, according to Barcelona manager Xavi, was a victim of the intense rivalry for spots at Camp Nou.
Only 13 of the 20-year-old's 44 total appearances in all competitions this season have been as a starter, which has many supporters upset given his underwhelming performance following his injury comeback.
Fati's father publicly questioned his son's lack of playing time this season just a month ago, but Xavi has since stated he has his justifications.
"It's that he has competition," Xavi said. Maybe Raphinha and Ferran [Torres] are a little better. Lewandowski is a lock, and the coach will make the final call.
"Ansu has participated and played. Although he has scored important goals, playing for Barça must be difficult given the fierce competition.
As Ousmane Dembele accelerates his return from a three-month injury layoff, competition out wide will only intensify in the upcoming weeks.
The Frenchman will soon be able to provide more competition for Fati's spot, and Xavi acknowledged that his team has missed Dembele's abilities. The Frenchman is back in the matchday squad for Wednesday's match against Real Betis.
Dembele was clearly missed, according to Xavi. Because he is the team's best one-on-one player, Ousmane has been missed.
"If you don't believe me, ask the La Liga full-backs if they are proud to mark Dembele or another player," the man said.
Less than a week ago, Xavi praised the player after his father, Bori Fati, expressed resentment over his son's lack of playing time this year.
On the Spanish radio show Cadena COPE, Bori Fati retorted, "Good question, ask [Xavi]," in response to a question about why Fati Jr. hasn't started as frequently as he should. "He as a coach will have his reasons, and I don't have an explanation either. I can understand if he feels that way about things like defending himself.
Bori also seemed to make veiled warnings that his kid would leave.
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