Former Barcelona and Chelsea defender Juliano Belletti recently spoke to Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT), ideating his thoughts about the club’s youngsters, including Marc Guiu.
Guiu had become an overnight star for Barcelona when he scored a winner against Athletic Club in his La Liga debut, earlier in the season.
Belletti’s message to Guiu
During the interview, Belletti has revealed a conversation he had with Guiu prior to his explosion in the senior team.
“I spoke to him one day and I told him, Marc, you are a top-level footballer, you can be in the first team, you have to be here in the Juvenil A playing thinking about the first team, always thinking that you are prepared to be with them,” Belletti said.
It must be mentioned that Belletti is serving as an assistant manager in Barça U19s and has worked closely with Guiu during his development.
Reacting to his goal against Athletic Club, Belletti said, “I am very happy, he deserves it.”
Guiu, though, has not played for Barcelona since the win over Athletic Club. He was on the bench during the defeat to Real Madrid before being called up to national team duty, for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Xavi Hernandez, therefore, will not be able to count on the services of the youngster, at least for the entirety of November.
Belletti on Joao Cancelo
Juliano Belletti, who is expected to participate for Barça Legends in a match in Congo this Sunday, also offered his thoughts on Joao Cancelo.
“Cancelo started very well and with confidence, the player can perform better, the challenge is to maintain himself,” he said.
Cancelo has been a prominent member of the Barcelona first-team, featuring in 13 matches in all competitions.
Talking about the Portuguese international’s ability to move in central areas, Belletti said, “The role of the full-back has changed a lot, in my time as a player we looked for depth, getting to the bottom and centering the forward, now The full-backs look for the play through the middle.”
