Ex-Barcelona Defender Praises Israeli Talent Guy Assulin

Former Barcelona defender Martin Montoya has lauded Israeli talent Guy Assulin, stating that Assulin stood out above all his peers during their time together in Barcelona's famed La Masia youth academy. Montoya, who went on to play for Barcelona's senior team, told the Spanish newspaper 'Sport' that Assulin possessed exceptional potential, even exceeding that of future stars like Thiago Alcântara, Oriol Romeu, Cristian Tello, and Isaac Cuenca.

Montoya recalled that Assulin was the first from their talented generation to debut for the senior team under Pep Guardiola in 2009, in a Copa del Rey match against Cultural Leonesa. "He had that potential, and then, for one reason or another, he didn't manage to fulfill it," Montoya said, adding that Assulin was among the players once dubbed "the next Messi."

Assulin's career trajectory ultimately diverged from the high expectations. After leaving Barcelona, he played for numerous clubs including Manchester City, Brighton, and Racing Santander, before retiring in 2022. Assulin himself recently reflected on his near-miss with Barcelona's first team, recounting conversations with Guardiola and Luis Enrique. He felt his path to the senior squad was altered after his agent inquired about his status, leading Guardiola to decide he should return to the reserve team.

"Guardiola told me they planned to call me up, but because of my agent and his question, they decided I should return to the reserve team. It was truly a life lesson," Assulin stated in a previous interview with 'Sport', highlighting the pivotal moment that impacted his career.