Barcelona youth summer arrival making waves at La Masia | OneFootball

It has been quite a long time since Barcelona have had a talented Croatian midfielder running rings around the opposition in the middle of the park. Ivan Rakitic is the last one that comes to mind.

However, within the youth ranks at La Masia, a talented new Croatian is already making waves, determined to make the leap to the first team.

The player in question is Lovro Chelfi, an 18-year-old talent impressing onlookers with his performances for Pol Planas’ Barça Juvenil A squad.

Destined for greatness?

As reported by SPORT, Chelfi has been in solid form for the Juvenil A team, having now gotten used to La Masia‘s style of football.

Chelfi arrived from NK Kustosija with a reputation as one of Croatia’s brightest prospects, but his transition to Spanish football was designed to be gradual.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by lovro chelfi (@lovrochelfi10)

After an initial slow start, Chelfi has featured in each of the last six matches, starting three times and becoming a key piece for coach Pol Planas.

His growing importance was highlighted by his recent UEFA Youth League debut against Club Brugge.

While the youngster alternated between attacking midfield and the right wing in his home country, at Barcelona, Chelfi has reinvented himself on the left flank.

He is characterised by his verticality and explosive one-on-one dribbling, traits that are proving invaluable against the defensive low blocks Juvenil A often faces.

His adaptation to the Barça DNA has indeed been impressive. And having already earned a recent call-up to the Barça Atletic side for a Catalunya Cup match, it is only a matter of time before one starts to wonder just how soon the youngster can make the leap to the first team.