Former Barcelona Prospect Guy Assulin Reflects on Messi, Career and New Role

Guy Assulin, once dubbed 'the new Messi,' has opened up about his football career, his time at Barcelona, and his current role as a youth coach in England. Assulin, now 35, shared his experiences in a rare interview on the Pownall Podcast, detailing his journey from a young Israeli talent scouted by Barcelona at age 12 to his current position coaching Manchester United's under-9 team.

Assulin recalled the challenges of moving to Barcelona at a young age, including loneliness and difficulty with the language, which led to teammates mocking him. Despite these hardships, he cherishes his seven years with the club, calling it a dream come true and expressing gratitude for the experience. He highlighted his time training with Lionel Messi, describing him as an 'amazing' and 'humble' individual who always offered support and advice.

His professional career saw him move to Manchester City in 2011, but limited opportunities in the first team led him back to Spain, where he played for various clubs. Assulin described experiencing both good and bad challenges throughout his career, ultimately enjoying the journey and being thankful for the clubs he represented.

He fondly remembers his first professional goal for Racing Santander and significant matches, including a friendly at Wembley Stadium against Tottenham and another at the Camp Nou against Manchester City, both played before massive crowds. These moments, he stated, made the difficulties of moving countries worthwhile.

Currently residing in England with his wife and daughter, Assulin is focused on his coaching role at Manchester United. He expressed enjoyment in the position, aiming to impart his experience to young players and help them achieve their dreams. He feels well-treated by the club and looks forward to the upcoming season.