Ansu Fati’s dazzling performance since joining Monaco has reignited expectations for a potential return to the Spanish national team. The young forward, who is on loan from Barcelona, has scored six goals in just five Ligue 1 outings.

Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has expressed that Fati is now back on the national team’s radar as they gear up for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Fati Shines at Monaco

Fati’s contributions have been significant since his loan to Monaco, marking him as one of the standout players in Ligue 1 with six goals and two assists in a mere five matches. His impressive performance, which included two penalties in a 2-2 draw against Nice earning him the Player of the Match award, has silenced critics about his comeback following injuries and inconsistent seasons at Barcelona and Brighton.

Luis de la Fuente, Spain Coach Image: Luis de la Fuente, Spain Coach, has exciting choices ahead of the World Cup next summer.

Fati in the National Team’s Plans

During a press briefing before Spain’s qualifier against Georgia, de la Fuente confirmed that Fati is on their watchlist, stating, “Ansu Fati was included in our team considerations early on. We are monitoring every player who could make the squad. He has netted five to six goals, and we have evaluated him. While I can’t guarantee a player will replace an injured teammate immediately, Ansu is certainly on the list, and that is promising.”

De la Fuente noted that Fati’s resurgence is beneficial for the team’s prospects, even though a direct replacement for the injured Dani Olmo won’t be rushed.

A Story of Resilience

Regarded as Lionel Messi’s potential successor at Camp Nou, Fati’s ascent faced multiple setbacks due to serious injuries. At only 17, he became Barcelona’s youngest goalscorer but struggled to maintain form thereafter. His brief stint at Brighton did not yield the desired transformation, but moving to Monaco has revitalized his career.

Fati also set a record in Ligue 1, becoming the quickest player to reach five goals, doing so in just 126 minutes, breaking a long-standing record from 1948.

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

Fati aims to keep up his form and avoid further injuries as he secures his position not only within his club, Monaco, but also for La Roja. With the World Cup approaching, a return to the national team would signify a remarkable turnaround in one of football’s most captivating comeback narratives.