He's 22 right now, will be 23 in a couple of days, a 3 season deal in LA Galaxy; I don't think it's a terrible decision tbh. At 26 or even before (if clubs are interested) he could come back to European football. Only thing is that even if he plays good there people will say "oh it's just MLS mean while Pedri and Gavi does this in top level European football". That is the only thing I'd say. Even if he performs well it won't be appreciated enough. But I hope he plays really well so that Barca can buy him next summer because I still believe that he and Pedri's chemistry with the addition of Gavi would take us back to the old Barca days.
He’s gonna have to be a “world class player“ in the MLS if he’s gonna come back to Europe the MLS is so boring slow he has a huge challenge on his hands the next 3 years if he wants to be in Europe kinda sad From Barcelona to MLS bet it’s heartbreaking:/
@@BigLongJohnson79 I don't watch MLS (will now) but I heard that MLS football is growing bigger and bigger with many young talents using this as a step to rebuild or build their careers so I don't care about the negative comments of this transfer decision.
Ik sucks he has to go to the garbage MLS I feel like it’s gonna ruin his career because of how amateur league the MLS is compared to Europe hopefully he can take it serious and become a top player for the mls so he can get out of there
Yeah I don't blame him. If going to MLS means you don't ride the bench and get to keep the eyes of the major world clubs on you still while being appreciated by the US fans as well as getting to be near Hollywood, then why not make the move. Especially if you are going to get paid well also.
@@LuisLopez-lw8gt If he wants to stay in LA he needs to earn his check. Seriously people act as if he would not get shipped out of an MLS team if he is wasting his talent.
I think he should leave Barca for a European club only . Like Ajax , bortmund , Villarreal , Valencia , sporting Porto benfica or also club like Napoli , Lazio etc
@@legitrandom5924 if that’s the case his career is done then he’ll just enjoy the $ coming in from LA and the MLS then working hard and making more $ in the future that’s on him tho
When he had the chance to leave on loan he didn’t leave and now none of those teams want him anymore. Leaving to the MLS at this age total flop. Plus the guy isn’t even committed. No improvement specially on his physical. He’s not interest on football. Its not his priority. And now the leak audio of him bashing Ferran Torres. Koeman was always right. He didn’t lied whit Luuk De Jong and now also with Riqui
I don't blame him. If going to MLS means you don't ride the bench and get to keep the eyes of the major world clubs on you still while being appreciated by the US fans as well as getting to be near Hollywood, then why not make the move. Especially if you are going to get paid well also.
There have been many players from the US and South America that played in the MLS and are now playing in Europe. You need game experience to get better and he is still young. I think he will be back playing in a top European league in two years.
Puig happened to be part of a Barcelona club that no longer valued their old youth model. Back in the day (like a decade aho) Barcelona would get these great up and coming players coming up through their youth program who had outgrown the Academy. Barcelona would then feature that kid in a system that had a number of other older Academy graduates who were now established on the 1st team. These older players would be there to teach them "the Barcelona way" of both what is expected on the field but also as support when things dont go well for those younger players. It was a great way to bring younger players up and establish them on the 1st team. The provlem was that the team had somewhat abandoned that method and went out and got a bunch of name players via the transfer market. This screwed the team up in 2 ways, 1) it blocked their kids for a spot on the 1st team 2) it had a lot of players on the 1st team who did not know or understands "the Barcelona way" and could not support the kids coming through the academy as those same kids were seen as competition for playing time so why bother helping them out. I hope this changes. I miss the days of when Barcelona would field a team of guys who had grown up playing football with one another.
For the parties, video games and series/movies... I get it, he still a kid, a young man, let him have it and enjoy life. I wish he went on a loan instead of getting sold to L.A
Exactly like you said, his problems are too much partying and off-field hobbies. Look at Gavi and Pedri`s lifestyle and compare that to Puig`s, and there is your answer. Especially compared to Gavi, Gavi is a fighter, constantly giving his 110% every game, while Puig whenever given a chance, his mind is out of game. A shame really because he has natural talent, but there is no one to be blamed, but himself. He had many offers BTW in Europe, but he decided to go to LA Galaxy, because of lavish lifestyle he can freely have in LA.
Tbf you only saw him having off-field hobbies when Koeman was in charge(Where he had little game time). And gavi does fight but you can't expect someone who hasn't played a match in ages to instantly feel comfortable. I also think he went to LA to actually play and wanted to try something different(going to a top club ins a lower continent) from other upcoming players(who usually go to a lower club in a top continent).
@@aaronc3792 Gavi too didnt have much minutes back then, when both of them fought for the spot, and Gavi wasnt even part of first team, he had much more pressure on him than Puig. Same goes for Pedri, Pedri came from totally different team, and both Pedri and Gavi worked hard and were not partying around smoking shisha and drinking. I really liked Puig, but he can only blame himself for failing at Barca.
@@JustFun598 Gavi played 34 games in la liga last season I don't see how he didn't have "much minutes." And Koeman preferred pedri over puig and was reluctant to give riqui minutes even tho Pedri was evidently tired in the latter stages of the 20/21 season.
@@aaronc3792 I did say back then!!! When Gavi fought for spot, and had much much less minutes than Puig, and he still made more impact than Puig, even though Puig was first team player.
22 is hardly everyone's physical peak if a person keeps his/her focus. It's mostly from 28 onwards from what I have seen from many top players. So if he can light up the MLS he could still come back and do well in Europe by the time he is 26 or 27
I see many people rather positively talking about him and I was hoping that he will succeed at Barca too, it is not a surprise that he ended up in this situation. First off, while La Masia is one the best football academies in the world (2nd by the number of players in Europe's top 5 leagues), it prodcues quality players, but not all of them are necessarily geniuses and "gems". In the last few seasons, Barcelona struggled deeply with the squad's depth and rotation, something that hasn't happened for years prior, so their only options was to bring more youth to the first team. Most of the players in the B team perform well in that environment, you can find highlights of most of them showing great quality, but top flight football is different. We've seen a lot of youngsters in the first team in the last two seasons (not necessarily academy graduates): Mingueza, Dest, Pedri, Puig, Ilias, Abde, Jutgla, Ansu, Gavi, Nico, some else maybe. Well, most are on loan now or on the verge of it. It's not like 11 players from the academy have the potential to become Pep's XI, even Pep's Barca relied on foreigners. When we talk about Puig, you have to understand that we've seen the most of him under Setien. He was pretty comfortable and he seemed to be really integrated in the team. He would participate in positional play, combinations, was not afraid to shoot or to make decisions. Most of other players suffered heavily in that team though, performances of Messi, Busquets, Alba, Rakitic dipped heavily. It might be completely unrelated to the fact, Setien only coached mid-table grade clubs before, oddly enough. Under Koeman, he had only 1 notable performance, home game against Juventus in UCL group stage as a substitute where Barca was already down 3. He really added a spark to the team's movement. But since then, I don't remember a single quality appearance from him. He would try to do the same things, but he was way off and lacked chemistry with his teammates. I can explain further, but simply speaking he had chances to prove himself under both Koeman and Xavi, it's just that he didn't really use these chances, whether due to his own issues, or the team instability in general. In my eyes, his situation is really similar to that of Frenkie de Jong. With Barcelona midfield being stacked this season, it really seems that Gavi is the last choice midfielder, when he is superior to Puig in many aspects. Frenkie de Jong doesn't really fit Barca's system as his natural role is not present in modern Barca scheme, as they don't really consider fast paced vertical movement in contrast to Dutch national team, where most players are physically able to do it. On the other hand, he is a world class player and he is really capable in a lot of different basic stats, required in any club. His technique, vision, physicality, IQ, defensive skills are of high level, probably higher than any other Barca midfielder. So, the option to sell him is always on the table, because he cannot perform up to his 100% in Barca, and many other clubs would love to have him. But they cannot easily let him go, due to his quality. Meanwhile, Puig is built for this kind of Barca play, but he lacks in all other basic skills, and as it seems in his mentality and discipline as well, so they just cannot afford to keep him
He made the right decision. I gotta admit the MLS is not the best league, but it’s a great place for players to develop. He is also playing insane rn and if he keeps it up I’m sure he will return to Europe in a year or two. He is putting in a lot of work and covers a lot of ground. His career is not ruined yet
Going to the MLS is not a failure 😂 Now he is getting game time while being one of the best players on the team. European clubs will keep their eyes on him. Don’t see him being there more than 2 years
@Edwurrd - Really? If only that were so! I really wanted Riqui to succeed. But come on, but we both know that Riqui's going to be hitting the LA club scene hard.
@@notapplicable4567 not if he’s not getting playing time. In MLS; if he uses it as a ‘wake up call’; he can sharpen his craft/skills. Sometimes getting the opportunity to grow in the pitch is more valuable than having great competition in practice sessions..
If hes not MVP of the MLS league this next year or a monster/leading goal scorrer...then..well...hes not barca material...its his to win or lose...hes young and got talent but clearly not enough as of yet
@@asnark7115 received, but a monster MVP like season either way...playing exceptionally everyday every game..just leaps and bounds better than everyone else. for this position.
This young man will have to go somewhere & hope other club will find use for his talent. This admin is a lier also about the bad stuff he talk about this young man.
His career was not at all ruined, like any footballer, he or she, or they need to play and train on a regular session and get in the rhythm of things. If players don't play on a consistent basis, or do crazy things like going to parties, getting drunk, they don't show the commitment or the discipline like some others do., they lose that talent and reputation. I am not a Barcelona fan, but I have to acknowedge that he is pure talent, but again he was hurt since he was not in Ronald Koeman or Xavi Hernandez plans to play which is very sad. If I was him, I would also move somewhere where I can feel appreciated and get time to play. Only time will tell if his career will continue to grow and manifest, and to be realistic, despite the many talents he has, there is always room for growth in him, especially given his youth and age. Joining the LA Galaxy is a win, for one, because he will be reunited with another former La Masia product, Victor Vazquez, who was according to the media when he was playing alongside Messi, even better than he was. The other fact shows the LA Galaxy making big signings and investing in players in their prime, and/or approaching their prime like Douglas Costa, Giovani Dos Santos, Jonathan Dos Santos, Ruig Puig, and others. The third is being in a big club and big city like the LA Galaxy means higher expectations than most MLS teams and more pressure for him, that can hopefully make turn him into a better player and having the time and name taking it to a advantage to get playing time. I wish him all the best and will do my best to support this great kid, just wishing Gareth Bale and Chellini could have signed with LA Galaxy instead LAFC! Now that is a team! LA Galaxy with Ruig Puig, Victor Vazquez and Douglas Costa in the midfield, and Jovelic in the front, now LA Galaxy needs to do something more about that backline that cannot stop leaking goals!
He never wanted improve his physic condition and I realized about that because most of football players are physically well developed at his age (almost 23). Once I discovered he's not a disciplined player assisting constantly to nightclubs, spending too much time playing videogames and having Gerard Piqué as a bad influence, I understand why Xavi determined Riqui is not ready to be in Barcelona. Probably he needs more time to assume a mature role, because if you want to be a superstar you need sacrifice other matters as well. Nothing is free. Well, it's just a matter of time if he took a right decision or not.
This guy is going no-where. He should try getting a job in Hollywood where his theatrics might be appreciated. It's too bad really, because he does have skills. He fits the dynamics of LA Galaxy where a healthy number of their goals are scored by dives inside the box....so he landed on his feet...sort of....then fell....again....
He’s about to be 23 and is still the same size when he debuted 4 years ago lmao Lots of natural talent yes, but no clear progression in himself. Can’t succeed in Europe weighing 125lb
I think it’s funny how people say he ruined his career😂 he is living the dream of playing soccer and getting paid millions and now he is about to do it in front of celebrities in the city of Angels and the MLS which is ready to take Fútbol to the next level in America ! This is great for fútbol specially in American !
Kid barely had a frame on him, has no resume of accomplishments and expects a messi treatment. This is what happena when footballers let fame and lifestyle get to their head.
I am Barce fan I am really sad 😢 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I am really very sorry to him I wish him the best whatever he gose I really love him so much 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
There’s been many very surprising transfers over the years but only time will tell if this will be one of the best transfers or the worst to ever occur.
I'm a fun of him and always asking mysef why but I think I get it now. But he is still my best he will be back if he is making these mistakes at LA he will review himself and make his way back to Europe.
He's having a great time and kicking ass this year. He just singed for another two years and said he will still be able to play in Europe. Crap story now.
Seeing such a bright talent doesn't live up his potential really makes me sad. However, fair play for him. He is just 23. He is already better than average kids. am living with my mom when I was 23 and barely making any single dollars. If I make what he makes at the same age, my mom already go zumba everyday. It just makes me realized that you get paid for around 100,000 euro a week because you need to have the exceptional body, exceptional skills, exceptional mentality at the such a young age. Hope he have fun in the US.
La mayoria de la gente que lo critica en toda su vida ganaran el dinero que este niño ganara en un temporada....Vivir en los angeles un mal negocio ? si claro...Buena suerte Puig la vida siempre da revanchas !!! ganate un buen paston y se feliz !!!
He is the second Bojan Krkic. Like mentioned in the video the main problem may be he's attitude. And if you don't catch the interest and sympathy of your coaches you'll always fail on the professional level.
Has anyone stop to think why Barca has a buy back clause. Frank Lampard said it a few years back: if you're in Europe on the bench, 'come to MLS." definitely not verbatim, but something near that. mls is well on its way to becoming a strong league that export talent abroad. If you don't know, do your research.
La Liga won't allow Barcelona to register their new signings (Lewandowski, Raphinha, Kessié, Christensen, Koundé) and contract renewals (Dembélé, Roberto) until the club raises more funds and balances their books, per multiple reports
Post Covid Europe is a completely different animal than in the past. Post Covid MLS is shaping up to be a Monster. I think he is an early investor. Time will tell if his risk is rewarded.
It’s such a weird move, it shows some kind of immaturity to me, he seems to be gutted by all those fails years in years out, but whynot going on loan to another club. Ajax would have been a great place for him. He will regret this move for sure
This is the beginning of a new era. Europeans will come to MLS at a younger age. Screw the haters and the maker of this vid. Always diss the MLS. And always tuning in
With all due respect, Inside Football, I think the things that you mentioned are nothing but a load of rubbish. The only argument that makes sense is "more competition" for him making it hard to join the regulars, which is again Barcelona's fault. The rest of the things that you mentioned like bars and ps5 and whatnot are again...rubbish. If those arguments were to be considered as the reasons for his exit then Dembele should have been the first guy to leave the team.
I think people are nuts who talk about him or any other player not being focused on football just because they go out and play video games. What do we all do in our time free from work? Focus on work? It's such a double standard. Also, keep in mind that footballers have way more free time than normal people do. Games and training sessions only take up around 10-15 hours a week. What is Riqui and all other footballers supposed to do the rest of the time? Lie in bed looking at the ceiling and thinking about football?
what a stupid comparison, new Iniesta, new Xavi, new Messi?!?! What??? this dude was never a star and would never be a star in the big European leagues. Except for Iniesta/Xavi/Messi/Busquet generation, most kids from Barcelona and Real Madrid barely shy in big clubs. It is true that Barça now has a talented Masia (Ansu, Pedri and Gabe), let's see where they arrive, we have seen this story many times in Barça and mostly Madrid.
From reading comments on here I can tell 75% of people talk shit about MLS without watching the top teams play. As someone who watches a lot of football MLS is right there with the eredivise and dare I say the best teams could compete with the top teams in the EFL championship.
Oh man, that match against Athletico is the stuff of legend.... Other than threading a pass across the box to Suarez what did he do? Got dumped on his butt 3x 3 weak ball giveaways a bad pass out of reach 1 pass into a crowded box 3 good steals but 4 ridiculous challenges the rest is just simple passes out to the wings and backpasses. So for that match zero impact. No build-up play, just simple safe boring distribution. No real risks taken, no opportunities created in 90 minutes except for one nice pass to Suarez. No leading passes or crosses. Disagree with the video thumbnail. He was never a star, and a 2nd tier level talent playing in MLS is not a failure.
As a Barca fan and obviously a Messi fan, all the issues stated concerning Riqui in this content are all nonsense. Messi enjoys playing Play Station, in fact, footballers enjoy video games, they party, and the rest. But it's game time, they do their professional duty. Not trusting your young & talented La Masia players has always been a big issue for Barcelona. Very disgusting.
I don'T know why professional athletes are judged so hard for their lifestyle away from the pitch. If they show up mentally focussed, in good physical condition, and perform on the pitch, what's the problem?
People don’t judge the lifestyle, they criticise the hypocrisy. They are PROFESSIONAL athletes that get to make a living out of PLAYING a game they like. Nobody is forcing you to play for them, you should be grateful to have the opportunity to do so in front of millions of people, travel the world and be worshipped for kicking a ball, really, while you get rich btw. And those top teams and sponsors are providing all of that in exchange of you performing at a 100% and being committed, not at 90%. 90% doesn’t win you a Champions League, or 8 gold medals or 22 grand slams. The higher the goal, the higher the reward, but also the higher the standards you’re going to be expected to meet. The science behind sports is too well known to pretend that going out once or twice a week doesn’t hurt both your mental and physical condition. If you want to go out every week, which is fine, btw, not everyone needs to be the next Messi, you need to be honest and find a place where you’ll find lower expectations, like he should’ve done earlier. People who want high rewards but aren’t willing to make any effort believe talent will be enough, but unfortunately for him, there’s too much competition so unless you’re Ronaldinho, it ain’t gonna work.
Maybe Serie A is a retirement league as Zlatan moved there...MLS players have average of 25.8 years old...In contrast with an average age of 27.3 years for their players, LaLiga Santander is the most aged competition among the top five European leagues.
He's 22 right now, will be 23 in a couple of days, a 3 season deal in LA Galaxy; I don't think it's a terrible decision tbh. At 26 or even before (if clubs are interested) he could come back to European football. Only thing is that even if he plays good there people will say "oh it's just MLS mean while Pedri and Gavi does this in top level European football". That is the only thing I'd say. Even if he performs well it won't be appreciated enough. But I hope he plays really well so that Barca can buy him next summer because I still believe that he and Pedri's chemistry with the addition of Gavi would take us back to the old Barca days.
He’s gonna have to be a “world class player“ in the MLS if he’s gonna come back to Europe the MLS is so boring slow he has a huge challenge on his hands the next 3 years if he wants to be in Europe kinda sad From Barcelona to MLS bet it’s heartbreaking:/
@@BigLongJohnson79 I don't watch MLS (will now) but I heard that MLS football is growing bigger and bigger with many young talents using this as a step to rebuild or build their careers so I don't care about the negative comments of this transfer decision.
@@mdstudio1365 it is growing exactly like that. Kind of like the Eredivisie but people just like to hate the MLS.
LAs the worst place to go, its full of distractions for a kid like him.
I heard technical skills and soccer IQ don't disappear, if he was as great as errone said and he gets game time we might see something good
As a barcelona fan I really wanted him to succeed. I wish he was able to go to another club in the PL or LA liga
Ik sucks he has to go to the garbage MLS I feel like it’s gonna ruin his career because of how amateur league the MLS is compared to Europe hopefully he can take it serious and become a top player for the mls so he can get out of there
Bro you didnt even touch a football in your life
U see his physical he can’t in big teams he went to LA for the money ….. I think he can develop and come back in EU later
@@christiansosa4906 you dont have to play in order to see how much inferior the mls is, when compared to any part of europe
he has no respect he didnt respect his teammates he was talking shit about them including messi torres and others, he doesnt deserve it
If he liked going clubbing in Barcelona imagine when he gets to LA.
Ikr
He's allowed to go club he's a young man
@@PatrickEvans-x1v obviously he is. He gave up playing for Barcelona to do it full time.
I can tell you don’t travel if you think LA has a better party scene than Barcelona lmao
@@Bigmike55626 I do travel though and have been to both places among many others. It’s a joke, calm down Mr ITraveltheWorld
MLS picking up a promising La Masía prospect. I think he just wants to be appreciated where ever he goes
Yeah I don't blame him. If going to MLS means you don't ride the bench and get to keep the eyes of the major world clubs on you still while being appreciated by the US fans as well as getting to be near Hollywood, then why not make the move. Especially if you are going to get paid well also.
Nah if thats his work ethic and lifestyle los Angeles is the perfect city to ruin and continue that lifestyle
@@LuisLopez-lw8gt If he wants to stay in LA he needs to earn his check. Seriously people act as if he would not get shipped out of an MLS team if he is wasting his talent.
The Riqui Puig hype is bigger than his talent.
He is at this point because of bad decisions, he should of gone on loan when Koeman became manager then return when Xavi arrived at Barça
He chose game time over bench time. So did Mingueza Aleña Nico González and Collado. You either grow on the sidelines or try to grow somewhere else
I think he should leave Barca for a European club only . Like Ajax , bortmund , Villarreal , Valencia , sporting Porto benfica or also club like Napoli , Lazio etc
He just wants to relax and party LA is for him he isn't focused rn to play.
Noone wants him, end of story..
No offers came from those teams
@@legitrandom5924 if that’s the case his career is done then he’ll just enjoy the $ coming in from LA and the MLS then working hard and making more $ in the future that’s on him tho
When he had the chance to leave on loan he didn’t leave and now none of those teams want him anymore. Leaving to the MLS at this age total flop. Plus the guy isn’t even committed. No improvement specially on his physical. He’s not interest on football. Its not his priority. And now the leak audio of him bashing Ferran Torres. Koeman was always right. He didn’t lied whit Luuk De Jong and now also with Riqui
I don't blame him. If going to MLS means you don't ride the bench and get to keep the eyes of the major world clubs on you still while being appreciated by the US fans as well as getting to be near Hollywood, then why not make the move. Especially if you are going to get paid well also.
Big facts
There have been many players from the US and South America that played in the MLS and are now playing in Europe. You need game experience to get better and he is still young. I think he will be back playing in a top European league in two years.
Talent without hard work useless - CR7
Puig happened to be part of a Barcelona club that no longer valued their old youth model. Back in the day (like a decade aho) Barcelona would get these great up and coming players coming up through their youth program who had outgrown the Academy. Barcelona would then feature that kid in a system that had a number of other older Academy graduates who were now established on the 1st team. These older players would be there to teach them "the Barcelona way" of both what is expected on the field but also as support when things dont go well for those younger players. It was a great way to bring younger players up and establish them on the 1st team.
The provlem was that the team had somewhat abandoned that method and went out and got a bunch of name players via the transfer market. This screwed the team up in 2 ways, 1) it blocked their kids for a spot on the 1st team 2) it had a lot of players on the 1st team who did not know or understands "the Barcelona way" and could not support the kids coming through the academy as those same kids were seen as competition for playing time so why bother helping them out.
I hope this changes. I miss the days of when Barcelona would field a team of guys who had grown up playing football with one another.
For the parties, video games and series/movies... I get it, he still a kid, a young man, let him have it and enjoy life. I wish he went on a loan instead of getting sold to L.A
Exactly like you said, his problems are too much partying and off-field hobbies. Look at Gavi and Pedri`s lifestyle and compare that to Puig`s, and there is your answer.
Especially compared to Gavi, Gavi is a fighter, constantly giving his 110% every game, while Puig whenever given a chance, his mind is out of game.
A shame really because he has natural talent, but there is no one to be blamed, but himself.
He had many offers BTW in Europe, but he decided to go to LA Galaxy, because of lavish lifestyle he can freely have in LA.
Tbf you only saw him having off-field hobbies when Koeman was in charge(Where he had little game time). And gavi does fight but you can't expect someone who hasn't played a match in ages to instantly feel comfortable. I also think he went to LA to actually play and wanted to try something different(going to a top club ins a lower continent) from other upcoming players(who usually go to a lower club in a top continent).
@@aaronc3792 Gavi too didnt have much minutes back then, when both of them fought for the spot, and Gavi wasnt even part of first team, he had much more pressure on him than Puig. Same goes for Pedri, Pedri came from totally different team, and both Pedri and Gavi worked hard and were not partying around smoking shisha and drinking. I really liked Puig, but he can only blame himself for failing at Barca.
@@JustFun598 Gavi played 34 games in la liga last season I don't see how he didn't have "much minutes." And Koeman preferred pedri over puig and was reluctant to give riqui minutes even tho Pedri was evidently tired in the latter stages of the 20/21 season.
@@aaronc3792 bro last to last season..koeman started coaching that time
@@aaronc3792 I did say back then!!! When Gavi fought for spot, and had much much less minutes than Puig, and he still made more impact than Puig, even though Puig was first team player.
Barca is my fav la liga team I feel like this is the best for him maybe he can come back if he plays well with la galaxy and actually works hard
22 is hardly everyone's physical peak if a person keeps his/her focus. It's mostly from 28 onwards from what I have seen from many top players. So if he can light up the MLS he could still come back and do well in Europe by the time he is 26 or 27
I see many people rather positively talking about him and I was hoping that he will succeed at Barca too, it is not a surprise that he ended up in this situation.
First off, while La Masia is one the best football academies in the world (2nd by the number of players in Europe's top 5 leagues), it prodcues quality players, but not all of them are necessarily geniuses and "gems".
In the last few seasons, Barcelona struggled deeply with the squad's depth and rotation, something that hasn't happened for years prior, so their only options was to bring more youth to the first team. Most of the players in the B team perform well in that environment, you can find highlights of most of them showing great quality, but top flight football is different.
We've seen a lot of youngsters in the first team in the last two seasons (not necessarily academy graduates): Mingueza, Dest, Pedri, Puig, Ilias, Abde, Jutgla, Ansu, Gavi, Nico, some else maybe. Well, most are on loan now or on the verge of it. It's not like 11 players from the academy have the potential to become Pep's XI, even Pep's Barca relied on foreigners.
When we talk about Puig, you have to understand that we've seen the most of him under Setien. He was pretty comfortable and he seemed to be really integrated in the team. He would participate in positional play, combinations, was not afraid to shoot or to make decisions. Most of other players suffered heavily in that team though, performances of Messi, Busquets, Alba, Rakitic dipped heavily. It might be completely unrelated to the fact, Setien only coached mid-table grade clubs before, oddly enough.
Under Koeman, he had only 1 notable performance, home game against Juventus in UCL group stage as a substitute where Barca was already down 3. He really added a spark to the team's movement. But since then, I don't remember a single quality appearance from him. He would try to do the same things, but he was way off and lacked chemistry with his teammates. I can explain further, but simply speaking he had chances to prove himself under both Koeman and Xavi, it's just that he didn't really use these chances, whether due to his own issues, or the team instability in general.
In my eyes, his situation is really similar to that of Frenkie de Jong. With Barcelona midfield being stacked this season, it really seems that Gavi is the last choice midfielder, when he is superior to Puig in many aspects. Frenkie de Jong doesn't really fit Barca's system as his natural role is not present in modern Barca scheme, as they don't really consider fast paced vertical movement in contrast to Dutch national team, where most players are physically able to do it. On the other hand, he is a world class player and he is really capable in a lot of different basic stats, required in any club. His technique, vision, physicality, IQ, defensive skills are of high level, probably higher than any other Barca midfielder. So, the option to sell him is always on the table, because he cannot perform up to his 100% in Barca, and many other clubs would love to have him. But they cannot easily let him go, due to his quality.
Meanwhile, Puig is built for this kind of Barca play, but he lacks in all other basic skills, and as it seems in his mentality and discipline as well, so they just cannot afford to keep him
He made the right decision. I gotta admit the MLS is not the best league, but it’s a great place for players to develop. He is also playing insane rn and if he keeps it up I’m sure he will return to Europe in a year or two. He is putting in a lot of work and covers a lot of ground. His career is not ruined yet
Should have left on loan when Koeman suggested...would have had alot more playing minutes and developed his skills...and maybe matured a bit..
Good luck Rici
Going to the MLS is not a failure 😂 Now he is getting game time while being one of the best players on the team. European clubs will keep their eyes on him. Don’t see him being there more than 2 years
@Edwurrd - Really? If only that were so! I really wanted Riqui to succeed. But come on, but we both know that Riqui's going to be hitting the LA club scene hard.
Bet... You dont challenge yourself with subpar players, you get better with a harder challenge.
@@notapplicable4567 not if he’s not getting playing time. In MLS; if he uses it as a ‘wake up call’; he can sharpen his craft/skills. Sometimes getting the opportunity to grow in the pitch is more valuable than having great competition in practice sessions..
@@notapplicable4567 he is being challenged by the physicality of the league, which is one of the main areas that he needs developing
@@faithhill9811 horrible league, worst in the world
Galaxy fan here and I'd be surprised if he is with the Galaxy past next summer. He'll be back in Europe sooner rather than later.
Bro got 2 Goals and 6 assists in 5 Games so chill
If hes not MVP of the MLS league this next year or a monster/leading goal scorrer...then..well...hes not barca material...its his to win or lose...hes young and got talent but clearly not enough as of yet
Well, he's a mid, so he'll never be a monster goal scorer.
@@asnark7115 received, but a monster MVP like season either way...playing exceptionally everyday every game..just leaps and bounds better than everyone else. for this position.
Puig was always a Barca B level player. No other highest league clubs wanted him. MLS is his level.
It’s so sad how many failed talents there it’s probably just too much for them
This young man will have to go somewhere & hope other club will find use for his talent. This admin is a lier also about the bad stuff he talk about this young man.
He was so lazy, was so egoistic and needed success to be handed over to him
His career was not at all ruined, like any footballer, he or she, or they need to play and train on a regular session and get in the rhythm of things. If players don't play on a consistent basis, or do crazy things like going to parties, getting drunk, they don't show the commitment or the discipline like some others do., they lose that talent and reputation. I am not a Barcelona fan, but I have to acknowedge that he is pure talent, but again he was hurt since he was not in Ronald Koeman or Xavi Hernandez plans to play which is very sad. If I was him, I would also move somewhere where I can feel appreciated and get time to play. Only time will tell if his career will continue to grow and manifest, and to be realistic, despite the many talents he has, there is always room for growth in him, especially given his youth and age. Joining the LA Galaxy is a win, for one, because he will be reunited with another former La Masia product, Victor Vazquez, who was according to the media when he was playing alongside Messi, even better than he was. The other fact shows the LA Galaxy making big signings and investing in players in their prime, and/or approaching their prime like Douglas Costa, Giovani Dos Santos, Jonathan Dos Santos, Ruig Puig, and others. The third is being in a big club and big city like the LA Galaxy means higher expectations than most MLS teams and more pressure for him, that can hopefully make turn him into a better player and having the time and name taking it to a advantage to get playing time. I wish him all the best and will do my best to support this great kid, just wishing Gareth Bale and Chellini could have signed with LA Galaxy instead LAFC! Now that is a team! LA Galaxy with Ruig Puig, Victor Vazquez and Douglas Costa in the midfield, and Jovelic in the front, now LA Galaxy needs to do something more about that backline that cannot stop leaking goals!
If Puig was truly driven and focused on football he would have went to play for the Seattle Sounders.
Now he can party like a rock star . Make ways for Pique . He’s coming next year . 😀
My name is Riqui Puig. You don’t know me, but trust me. You soon will. -Fifa 23 | The Journey
I really wanted Pep to sign him 🚶♂️🚶♂️this kid got talent and needs someone to nurture the talent but am glad he is getting game time at the MLS.
toxic player on the squad
He never wanted improve his physic condition and I realized about that because most of football players are physically well developed at his age (almost 23). Once I discovered he's not a disciplined player assisting constantly to nightclubs, spending too much time playing videogames and having Gerard Piqué as a bad influence, I understand why Xavi determined Riqui is not ready to be in Barcelona. Probably he needs more time to assume a mature role, because if you want to be a superstar you need sacrifice other matters as well. Nothing is free. Well, it's just a matter of time if he took a right decision or not.
This guy is going no-where. He should try getting a job in Hollywood where his theatrics might be appreciated. It's too bad really, because he does have skills. He fits the dynamics of LA Galaxy where a healthy number of their goals are scored by dives inside the box....so he landed on his feet...sort of....then fell....again....
Lot of people give him doubt!! But I feel, this league will give him confidence where his own peers lacked faith in him. He will prove them wrong !!
it wasn't an option for him
It's all mental and discipline but this dude is lazy sad
He’s about to be 23 and is still the same size when he debuted 4 years ago lmao
Lots of natural talent yes, but no clear progression in himself. Can’t succeed in Europe weighing 125lb
Yup. The teen players who passed him by already look more muscular. They put in the work and have the drive. He never did.
Well he got me at kiss ya 🤣🤣🤣🤣
With MLS being a market for European teams. It's a smart move that's why young South American players use MLS as a stepping stone
I think it’s funny how people say he ruined his career😂 he is living the dream of playing soccer and getting paid millions and now he is about to do it in front of celebrities in the city of Angels and the MLS which is ready to take Fútbol to the next level in America ! This is great for fútbol specially in American !
Everyone goes on and on about the video games but his new teammate and Mexican legend Chicharito literally has a very popular Twitch channel!
Who cares? This guy makes a couple of million dollars per season in the US. Nobody cares
He was overrated by online Barcelona fans! Many coaches gave him a chance, and other kids took his spot and his chance.
Kid barely had a frame on him, has no resume of accomplishments and expects a messi treatment. This is what happena when footballers let fame and lifestyle get to their head.
Bro is like 90 lbs
Good video
I am Barce fan I am really sad 😢 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I am really very sorry to him I wish him the best whatever he gose I really love him so much 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
True,it's just so unfortunate, I'm sure he'll be back, at least he'll be getting the minutes deserved❤️
Mate, he went to a club where the fans will love him and where a club will actually pay him. Overall, a great decision for him.
Hasn't even played but u calling him a failure
There’s been many very surprising transfers over the years but only time will tell if this will be one of the best transfers or the worst to ever occur.
He doesnt have what it takes at all, clueless positioning, not wanting to stay in Europe already says enough
He will be clubbing even harder in LA now lol
I'm a fun of him and always asking mysef why but I think I get it now. But he is still my best he will be back if he is making these mistakes at LA he will review himself and make his way back to Europe.
He's having a great time and kicking ass this year. He just singed for another two years and said he will still be able to play in Europe. Crap story now.
He needs a place to mature in his position without all the pressure. Saying he was the next Iniesta and being praised by Messi set him up for failure.
He could become best youngest player with pedri...
Youngest ?? He is almost 22 yo
He will never be on the National team or play in Barca again.
Xavi said “ oh no, another ronaldinho but younger”
MLS fans really think European teams take the mls seriously lol
Seeing such a bright talent doesn't live up his potential really makes me sad. However, fair play for him. He is just 23. He is already better than average kids. am living with my mom when I was 23 and barely making any single dollars. If I make what he makes at the same age, my mom already go zumba everyday. It just makes me realized that you get paid for around 100,000 euro a week because you need to have the exceptional body, exceptional skills, exceptional mentality at the such a young age. Hope he have fun in the US.
I think he doesn´t get a true chance, im glad to see him play even if is at the MLS
La mayoria de la gente que lo critica en toda su vida ganaran el dinero que este niño ganara en un temporada....Vivir en los angeles un mal negocio ? si claro...Buena suerte Puig la vida siempre da revanchas !!! ganate un buen paston y se feliz !!!
He is the second Bojan Krkic. Like mentioned in the video the main problem may be he's attitude. And if you don't catch the interest and sympathy of your coaches you'll always fail on the professional level.
2:18 what is that dope beat
Has anyone stop to think why Barca has a buy back clause. Frank Lampard said it a few years back: if you're in Europe on the bench, 'come to MLS." definitely not verbatim, but something near that. mls is well on its way to becoming a strong league that export talent abroad. If you don't know, do your research.
Think why Barca gets half of sell on rights, because Barca is in massive debt.
Glad to have Puig in the LA Galaxy! Let’s do this bro!
Good luck, all he does is party and there’s no pressure to win in mls
Pique is a baf influence to not only the team but to a young guy too
Pique is a Barca legend, but your 100 % right.... what kind of influence is that?
La Liga won't allow Barcelona to register their new signings (Lewandowski, Raphinha, Kessié, Christensen, Koundé) and contract renewals (Dembélé, Roberto) until the club raises more funds and balances their books, per multiple reports
Which has nothing to do with Puig
I wish he makes it to the top and comeback home because he is so unlucky
Well he's taking mls by storm
Post Covid Europe is a completely different animal than in the past. Post Covid MLS is shaping up to be a Monster. I think he is an early investor. Time will tell if his risk is rewarded.
Agree. When teams visit US we have 100k plus watching games.
I'm so sad about puig situation 😭😭😭
It’s such a weird move, it shows some kind of immaturity to me, he seems to be gutted by all those fails years in years out, but whynot going on loan to another club. Ajax would have been a great place for him. He will regret this move for sure
This is the beginning of a new era. Europeans will come to MLS at a younger age. Screw the haters and the maker of this vid. Always diss the MLS. And always tuning in
No
It’s his own fault, focus on the game not the fame!
this is not the end. this is just the beginning...
With all due respect, Inside Football, I think the things that you mentioned are nothing but a load of rubbish. The only argument that makes sense is "more competition" for him making it hard to join the regulars, which is again Barcelona's fault. The rest of the things that you mentioned like bars and ps5 and whatnot are again...rubbish. If those arguments were to be considered as the reasons for his exit then Dembele should have been the first guy to leave the team.
Fiorentina and a couple of LaLiga teams showed interest but he wants to LA, you know he doesn't care about football...
More like he got foisted on LA because no club in Europe wants him even for free.
He was never meant to be the next iniesta Wtf???
I think people are nuts who talk about him or any other player not being focused on football just because they go out and play video games. What do we all do in our time free from work? Focus on work? It's such a double standard.
Also, keep in mind that footballers have way more free time than normal people do. Games and training sessions only take up around 10-15 hours a week. What is Riqui and all other footballers supposed to do the rest of the time? Lie in bed looking at the ceiling and thinking about football?
There are lots of hot night clubs in LA. Don't get lost, Riqui!
what a stupid comparison, new Iniesta, new Xavi, new Messi?!?! What??? this dude was never a star and would never be a star in the big European leagues. Except for Iniesta/Xavi/Messi/Busquet generation, most kids from Barcelona and Real Madrid barely shy in big clubs. It is true that Barça now has a talented Masia (Ansu, Pedri and Gabe), let's see where they arrive, we have seen this story many times in Barça and mostly Madrid.
Retirement League 10 years ago but not anymore
He will regret his attitude and decisions even now I am sure.
From reading comments on here I can tell 75% of people talk shit about MLS without watching the top teams play. As someone who watches a lot of football MLS is right there with the eredivise and dare I say the best teams could compete with the top teams in the EFL championship.
Eredivise wil the top6 best league in europa soon mls is same level with turkey
Why calling him a failure....why
Cuz apparently the MLS is a failure to go to smh. MLS is growing. The world will shut up about the MLS soon
calling him a failure is a bit dumb, hes still a pro player and will get paid well in la
That's because of the hype and nobody has gone to MLS unless the person is 30+.. so what else would people say
@@dpak39977 that’s not true for MLS anymore, MLS has done amazing at producing players recently.
@@yetekt6953 if so I have to accept. But I have not personally followed regularly
@@dpak39977 You're very ignorant aren't you? MLS has done a great job developing players.
The truth is hes been a flop at Barca
Oh man, that match against Athletico is the stuff of legend....
Other than threading a pass across the box to Suarez what did he do?
Got dumped on his butt 3x
3 weak ball giveaways
a bad pass out of reach
1 pass into a crowded box
3 good steals but 4 ridiculous challenges
the rest is just simple passes out to the wings and backpasses.
So for that match zero impact. No build-up play, just simple safe boring distribution. No real risks taken, no opportunities created in 90 minutes except for one nice pass to Suarez. No leading passes or crosses.
Disagree with the video thumbnail. He was never a star, and a 2nd tier level talent playing in MLS is not a failure.
You talk so slow 😴
HE RUINED HIS POTENTIAL BY NOT WANTING TO BE LOANED HERE IN EUROPE WHEN HE HAD SOME OFFERS AND PREFFERED TO BE A RESERVE PLAYER FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS.
All I got say is baby steps 😎
Barca ruined “the pearl”, so sad to go to MLS
As a Barca fan and obviously a Messi fan, all the issues stated concerning Riqui in this content are all nonsense.
Messi enjoys playing Play Station, in fact, footballers enjoy video games, they party, and the rest. But it's game time, they do their professional duty.
Not trusting your young & talented La Masia players has always been a big issue for Barcelona.
Very disgusting.
Why take it personal? 🤣
I don'T know why professional athletes are judged so hard for their lifestyle away from the pitch. If they show up mentally focussed, in good physical condition, and perform on the pitch, what's the problem?
People don’t judge the lifestyle, they criticise the hypocrisy. They are PROFESSIONAL athletes that get to make a living out of PLAYING a game they like. Nobody is forcing you to play for them, you should be grateful to have the opportunity to do so in front of millions of people, travel the world and be worshipped for kicking a ball, really, while you get rich btw. And those top teams and sponsors are providing all of that in exchange of you performing at a 100% and being committed, not at 90%. 90% doesn’t win you a Champions League, or 8 gold medals or 22 grand slams. The higher the goal, the higher the reward, but also the higher the standards you’re going to be expected to meet. The science behind sports is too well known to pretend that going out once or twice a week doesn’t hurt both your mental and physical condition. If you want to go out every week, which is fine, btw, not everyone needs to be the next Messi, you need to be honest and find a place where you’ll find lower expectations, like he should’ve done earlier. People who want high rewards but aren’t willing to make any effort believe talent will be enough, but unfortunately for him, there’s too much competition so unless you’re Ronaldinho, it ain’t gonna work.
It feels a bit ridiculous saying that a kid ruined his career by playing video games. Seriously?
It's more polite than saying he's a mid who is a constant defensive liability.
Maybe Serie A is a retirement league as Zlatan moved there...MLS players have average of 25.8 years old...In contrast with an average age of 27.3 years for their players, LaLiga Santander is the most aged competition among the top five European leagues.
I think his haircut is his problem
Tucking his shirt in didn't help.
🤣
tbh this is the worst possible option. should have tried going Dutch league to further grow.
this how barca destroy players like griezmann, coutinho and ansu fati
WTF???
sweet boy