Archive for the ‘Back To The Future’ Category
November 13th, 2009 | 
Author: 
Jonathan dos Santos
Name: Jonathan dos Santos
Date of Birth: 26th of April, 1990
Nationality: Mexican
Born In: Monterrey, Mexico
Height: 1.80 m (5 foot 11)
Position: Midfielder
Although originally from Brazil, the dos Santos family also has origins in Mexico. Jonathan dos Santos is the son of former footballer Gerardo dos Santos (a.k.a. Zizinho). He also is the younger brother of former Barcelona starlet Giovanni dos Santos, who is now plying his trade at Tottenham Hostpur and previously on loan to Ipswich Town. Jonathan dos Santos’ playing style differs completely from his brothers. Not only do they play in different positions but they also have a very different approach to the game. Giovanni had a direct approach that involves dribbling the opponent and trying to get past him. Jonathan, on the other had, enjoys tactical dribbling more than direct dribbling. As we all saw in the match against Cultural, he prefers to hold on to the ball until he has a sure pass. He manipulates his opponent’s momentum turning it into a weapon. Some people see no need for Cesc Fabregas to come back if this little guy keeps weaving his magic in the midfield. Barcelona’s youth system is known to produce replicas of their players and they have done that with the likes of Xavi (in the form of Iniesta) and Guardiola (in the form of Xavi!) This guy here, seems to the next Fabregas, the one who DIDN’T get away.
Jonathan dos Santos was scouted by Barcelona in a tournament in France when he was representing Monterrey. He began from one of the lowest youth teams, Infantil B and rose through the ranks of Infantil A, Cadete B, Cadete A and Juvenil B. At the beginning of our historical season, 2008/2009, he was playing in the Juvenil A (as captain). Underage players are not allowed to play for the first team unless they have a Spanish passport. He got the passport in that same season, making him eligible to play for the Barcelona first team.
Gai Assulin
Name: Gai Assulin
Date of Birth: 9th of April, 1991
Nationality: Israeli
Born In: Naharia, Israel
Height: 1.77 m (5 foot 10)
Position: Winger/Attacking Midfield
Many of us have been looking for the player that has been dubbed “The next Messi.” Some of us may not know him, but that little guy with the over-sized shirt plays for our very own Barcelona B team. The expectations of him in the future are immense, so lets leave the pressure off him for now. Gai Assulin started his football in Haifa, namely Hapoel Haifa. He then moved to another youth team, called Beitar Tubruk (which was of course based in Israel as well.) When Gaai Assulin was just 12 years old, his coach suggested to his parents that he try out for the Barcelona youth teams. He did try out and he did get accepted. When Gai Assulin was promoted to the B team, he was immediately given an improved contract due to the thieving clubs in the form of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Milan. The so-called youth poachers who would do anything to get their hands on fresh and young talent from abroad. The contract was for 3 years with a 20 million Euro buy-out-clause.
