Barcelona 17-year-old talent eyes first-team breakthrough after eye-catching displays for reserve team | OneFootball

When Barcelona were forced to sell talented youngster Jan Virgili in the summer, few expected the club to find an immediate replacement.

But in Sama Nomoko, Barcelona might have already found its next attacking gem, given the way the teenage sensation is performing in the youth levels this season.

The 17-year-old Malian winger scored his first official goal for Barça Atletic at Sant Andreu, sealing the team’s first away win. It is a performance that has drawn a lot of attention.

Nomoko eyeing first-team breakthrough after stellar performances

As reported by SPORT, Nomoko is aiming to be an attacker in the first team following his exceptional performances in the youth divisions.

The Malian’s growth, after all, has been rapid. Last season, he led Pol Planas’ Juvenil B side with 12 goals and numerous assists, earning four appearances with Juvenil A.

While a full season in that squad seemed the natural next step, a standout pre-season convinced coach Juliano Belletti to promote him directly to Barça Atletic as the ideal replacement for Virgili.

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Though still a second-year youth player, Nomoko returns to Juvenil A only for UEFA Youth League fixtures.

He recently featured against Newcastle and is expected to play a key role when PSG visit the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

Barcelona scouts identified Nomoko at Cornella and have nurtured him ever since. Initially a goal-scoring striker in seven-a-side football, he has evolved into a lightning-quick right winger.

Coaches have focused on his mental growth as much as his physical gifts, helping him manage frustration and build confidence.

With long strides, exceptional pace and sharp movement, Nomoko offers qualities rare in La Masia. Although he continues to work on his first touch and short dribbles, his determination and eagerness to learn have made him a standout player in the youth academy.