Puig, 18, featured off the bench in three International Champions Cup matches and was branded “extraordinary” by AC Milan head coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Ernesto Valverde has attempted to keep a lid on expectations and the Barca boss is not short on midfield options with new signings Arthur and Arturo Vidal expected to compete for starting spots. Xavi, though, is calling for the diminutive Puig to remain in the first-team picture.
“I hope Ernesto can give him opportunities when he deserves them,” the four-time Champions League winner told Mundo Deportivo. “I’d say he’s very prepared to play in the first team of Barca.
“I am very happy because when I see him playing we can see the total Barca schooling that we like so much. “[He has] that particular DNA of our game and that is so complex to find in specific players. He sees the play right away, he knows what he has to do at all times and he is intelligent.
“The truth is that he is a boy who breathes talent and who plays easy. He has self-confidence, personality, does not hide and asks for the ball. “I’m very happy although, as Valverde says, it’s still very early.” Puig, who appeared three times for Barcelona B last term, has retained his place in Valverde’s training group ahead of Sunday’s Supercopa de Espana clash with Sevilla.
Ruqui Puig Almost Left Barcelona
Riqui Puig hype is in. The kid can ball. “Riqui is spectacular,” AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattusobeamed after facing him, “Even though [Barcelona] have players that look like kids, the way they handle the ball amazes me. It’s the beauty of football. It’s like poetry.
Xavi has already anointed him and pleaded for him to get more chances in the first team. BeIN Sports announcer Ray Hudson already has a nickname ready to use if the case arrives. We’re all taking language training courses trying to pronounce his name properly (it’s not “pweeg,” it’s more like “pooj.” or “pudge” but with an “oo” sound like “soon.”) And of course, Puig’s coach, Ernesto Valverde is a fan.
Such a fan, it seems, that Valverde himself is the reason Puig is a Barcelona player at all. El País says that about six months ago, Pep Segura had told the player and his father, Carles, that due to lacking the right physical development, the young midfielder wouldn’t be renewed.
That’s when Valverde stepped in, according to the article, saying he was intent on taking Puig to the North American tour and bringing him up to train with the first team from time to time. That gave Carles Puig the confidence to petition the club president directly. Josep Maria Bartomeu agreed and Riqui Puig extended his contract by three years, plus an option for two more.
In the intervening time, his performances for the youth team (including helping Barcelona win the UEFA Youth League) impressed everyone, including Segura, who is now a convert. Now, as he continues to show his ability in preseason, Puig’s future never looked brighter.