Why This Highly-Rated Barcelona Attacker Will Regret Snubbing Liverpool

When Bayern Munich threw Barcelona out of the Champions League in May last year, many were quick to shout about the ‘end of an era’. Tiki-taka’s reign of dominance over Europe had been broken, and a new wave of football was about to ascend to the continent’s throne.
Despite their triumph in La Liga, Barcelona’s doubters were given a new delivery of ammunition for their catapults when one of the brightest prospects to come through La Masia in recent years, Thiago Alcantara, departed to the very team who had apparently knocked the Spanish giants off their perch; the decline of Barcelona was, supposedly, in full-flow.
However, another of the academy’s glowing figures opted to remain in Catalonia rather than, as some may put it, ‘jumping ship’. Cristian Tello, a player who has attracted praise from critics throughout Europe, decided to contest the likes of Neymar, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro for his slot on the wing of Tata Martino’s contraption instead of discussing terms with an extremely interested Liverpool team, according to The Metro.
The question still lingers, however, as to whether or not Tello should have followed the man whom he ascended through the La Masia ranks, Thiago, out of the Nou Camp. Was his decision to struggle for a spot in Spain the best decision?
At Anfield, a man who thrived last season in Spain has put in some stellar performances for Liverpool; Iago Aspas has contributed to the enthralling, engaging start which has seen Liverpool top the Premier League after three games. Whilst slightly older than Tello, it was apparent that Aspas would not get the chance to prove his ability at one of Spain’s biggest sides – his move to Liverpool, then, allowed him to demonstrate the ability.

Iago Aspas Appearances This Season

Cristian Tello Appearances This Season

It is clear from the above graphic that Aspas is getting game time at Liverpool, starting all three matches this season. Tello, on the other hand, is stuck behind others at Barcelona and has played just 33 minutes this season; at 22-years-of-age, the Spaniard is at a critical stage of his footballing development, and game-time is essential to ensure that he does not disintegrate into a mere shell of the player he is capable of flourishing into.

Cristian Tello Goals Scored Last Season

Indeed, this lack of playing time has left Tello unable to demonstrate his true ability to the expectant Barcelona supporters, those who have been fed tantalising tales of his genius for years and in recent seasons have witnessed just a few glimpses of his ability – under Tito Vilanova last season he was afforded more playing time which proved he was able to slot adeptly into the Catalonian machine. Despite this, Tello has created just one chance as of this season, whilst only a quarter of his attempted take-ons have been successful – these statistics do indicate that the Spaniard may, perhaps, have been better off journeying to Liverpool rather than staying at the Nou Camp.

Cristian Tello Chances Created Last Season