Yusuf Demir is floating after making his competitive debut for Barcelona.
Demir featured in the 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao, becoming the youngest player to make his debut since Lionel Messi. The Argentine great left Barca earlier this month for PSG.
Demir was initially signed for Sergi Barjuan's Barca B team, but such was his impact in preseason that coach Ronald Koeman insisted he be promoted to the senior squad. And the Dutchman had no hesitation handing the 18 year-old his LaLiga debut on the weekend.
Via Mundo Deportivo, the on-loan Rapid Vienna attacker said: “I am very happy to have played my first game with Barça, I hope to play many more. It was an honour to debut in this club, a dream come true. I have worked very hard to achieve it and I am very happy.
“(Ronald) Koeman told me to enjoy it, that it is not every day that you make your debut with Barça. I am very grateful for the opportunity."
Asked about the experience, Demir admits he was taken aback by the intensity. The midfielder has previous first team experience in Austria with Rapid.
He continued: "The intensity of the game was very high, it took me a bit to adapt, but afterwards I felt very good. I had some beautiful feelings that I hope they continue. Now I want to work day by day for the better and thus be able to play for many years at Barça, because it is the best club."
In Barca's five preseason friendlies, Koeman started the teen in four and was rewarded with a goal and an assist.
Demir joined Barca this summer on a 12 month loan for €500,000 and can be bought outright from Rapid Vienna for €10m.
- updated August 24
