In a rain-delayed preseason El Clásico at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Barcelona’s Pau Victor stole the headlines with a decisive brace against Real Madrid. The 22-year-old striker’s two goals secured a 2-1 victory for the Blaugrana, continuing his impressive form under new coach Hansi Flick.
This performance, coming just days after Victor scored the opener against Manchester City, has thrust the young Catalan into the spotlight. While it’s important not to overstate the significance of preseason matches, Victor’s clinical finishing and overall play have certainly caught the eye of fans and coaching staff alike.
From Girona to Camp Nou
Born in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Pau Victor’s path to FC Barcelona has been unconventional. Unlike many of his current teammates, Victor is not a product of La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy. Instead, he joined Girona’s youth setup in 2018 from CE Sabadell FC, where he began his journey in professional football.
Victor’s talent was evident early on. On July 20, 2020, at just 18 years old, he made his professional debut for Girona in the Segunda División, coming on as a substitute against AD Alcorcón. This early exposure to senior football laid the foundation for his rapid development.
A Loan Journey to Success
Victor’s road to Barcelona involved several loan spells that proved crucial to his development. On August 29, 2022, he was loaned to Primera Federación side Sabadell along with teammate Álex Sala. During this season, Victor contributed seven goals and six assists, playing a vital role in Sabadell’s campaign to maintain their third-tier status.
His performances at Sabadell caught Barcelona’s attention. On August 17, 2023, after renewing his contract with Girona until 2025, Victor was loaned to Barcelona Atlètic. It was here that he truly flourished, becoming the top scorer in the Primera RFEF with an impressive 20 goals.
Seizing the Opportunity
Victor’s goalscoring exploits, and overall performances for Barcelona Atlètic made a strong impression on the club’s decision-makers. On July 24, 2024, Barcelona made the move to sign him permanently, offering a contract until 2029 – a clear indication of their belief in his potential.
At 22, Victor is showing promise as more than just a goalscorer. His ability to play across the front line, coupled with his vision and technical skills, make him a versatile asset for manager Hansi Flick. While it’s premature to draw comparisons with established stars, Victor’s performances suggest he could develop into a well-rounded forward.
Looking Ahead
As Barcelona navigates a transitional period, Pau Victor represents an intriguing option for the future. His journey from Girona’s youth setup to scoring against Real Madrid in a preseason Clásico demonstrates the unpredictable nature of football careers and the value of perseverance.
With a long-term contract and encouraging preseason performances, Victor now has the opportunity to establish himself in Barcelona’s first-team squad. As the new season approaches, it will be interesting to see how Flick integrates this young talent into his plans, balancing Victor’s development with the expectations of immediate success at a club of Barcelona’s stature.
While it’s important not to place undue pressure on young shoulders, Pau Victor’s recent performances have certainly given Barcelona fans reason for optimism. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining whether these preseason flashes translate into consistent contributions at the highest level.
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