Such is the draw of Barcelona that they don’t even have to try to attract the best talent from around the world – because players are already keen to join the Catalan giants. News filtered through from the Netherlands that one of the best young strikers, scorer of two goals in the UEFA Youth League final, Mexx Meerdink, would love to play for Barcelona.Mexx Meerdink makes it 4 for AZ.Hajduk’s defence nowhere to be seen in this second half. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/TxLS9sCj6u— 🇭🇷 (@TheCroatianLad) April 24, 2023 The 19-year-old forward Meerdink, who starred in AZ Alkmaar’s 5-0 triumph over Hajduk in the best competition for the Under-19s, told reporters in his homeland his ambition is to pull on the famous Blaugrana jersey. Speaking for Paises TV after the Youth League success, the youngster left no doubt about his dream club.”The club I would like to play for? Barcelona.” The word on the street is that Meerdink has been on Barcalona’s radar since he scored twice against them in AZ’s breathtaking 3-0 win at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. This young goalscorer came to the forefront with his goals. Still, the entire AZ organisation deserves a lot of credit after they overcame giants like Barcelona, Crvena zvezda, Real Madrid and Sporting CP, clubs renowned for their production of young talents and superior youth academies. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7208875##Meerdink also scored in the 4-0 quarter-final win over Real Madrid. In total, he scored nine goals in six appearances. That’s enough for big clubs to take notice of the lad who has already made his first-team debut for AZ in the Eredivisie. It’s a fantastic achievement for him and the club, which is operating in the shadows of the three biggest clubs in the land, Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.Barca are always on the lookout for young players to give them the edge over the opposition. Still, tonight they will rely on proven qualities when they make the trip to Madrid’s suburb of Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. Xavi Hernandez’s team has a healthy 11-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid and are looking to finish the season strongly and win their first title since 2019. The title is their to lose, and it’s a fantastic achievement in Xavi’s first whole season in charge of the team. Captain Sergio Busquets is suspended, while Sergi Roberto, Andreas Christensen and Ousmane Dembele are injured.Mexx Meerdink (19) in his last four Youth League games: vs Eintracht Frankfurt ⚽️⚽️⚽️vs FC Barcelona ⚽️⚽️vs Real Madrid ⚽️vs Hajduk Split ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/H3gXkR1VXD— Raphaël Bejczy (@ScoutEredivisie) April 24, 2023 Last weekend, Barca beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 thanks to a first-half winner from Ferran Torres. This time, Barca fans are expecting Robert Lewandowski to break his goalscoring drought. If he fails, young Mexx Meerdink could take his place someday!LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 31TuesdayGirona – Real Madrid 4-2 (2-1)/Castellanos 12, 24, 46, 62 – Vinicius 34, Vazquez 85/Cadiz – Osasuna 0-1 (0-0)/Garcia 62/Betis – Sociedad 0-0Wednesday20.30: (1.45) Atl.Madrid (4.30) Mallorca (9.50)20.30: (2.00) Getafe (3.45) Almeria (4.30)23.00: (5.10) Rayo Vallecano (3.60) Barcelona (1.80)23.00: (1.35) Celta (4.90) Elche (9.50)Thursday20.30: (1.80) Valencia (3.50) Valladolid (4.70)20.30: (1.65) Villareal (4.00) Espanyol (6.00)23.00: (1.90) Ath.Bilbao (3.60) Sevilla (4.50)***odds are subject to change
