Exclusive: the defender of Ghana Hafiz Gariba opens with his Barcelona movement

The trip from Hafiz Gariba to the famous Academy of Young people in Barcelona began in the lively coastal city of Teshie, Ghana.

Discovered as a promising young defender playing on local locations, Gariba first perfected his skills with the Zinaps FC. His impressive performances drew the attention of Villarreal CF Africa, where he developed his game.

His breakthrough towards Europe came when he obtained a place for the prestigious Marcet Soccer Academy. Once in Spain, Barcelona scouts closely followed Hafiz’s progress for months.

Captivated by the technical capacity of the central defender and the composure on the ball, Barcelona came to strike. He was offered a three-year contract to join the Juvenil B U-18 team at La Masia.

“”The first time I have heard of Barcelona’s interest was at the Marcet Academy. We had a training and then they told me that I go to Barcelona. I was so happy and my teammates were so happy for me too. I called my family and they were so happy to hear the news“Said Gariba in Flashscore in an exclusive interview.

For the Ghanaian defender, joining Barcelona had a dream for life, having grown up as a dedicated supporter of the club.

“”When I was young, I wore Barcelona jerseys and I said to the people around me one day I will play for Barcelona“He said.

Arrival in Barcelona has marked an important step for Gariba when he joined one of the Elite Youth European systems. However, adaptation to life and football in Catalonia presented its own challenges.

“”In Barcelona, there is a big difference. The way we train and the way we play our matches, our tactics, is very different from Africa. It’s not easy but I always work hard in training and I give my best. “”

His determination and commitment drew the attention of coaches, and Gariba began to settle in his role as defender with a technical advantage.

Last season with the sides of the young people of Barcelona, Gariba impressed by his calm on the ball, his strength in the tackle and the improvement of the intelligence of the game. He made more than 20 appearances for Juvenil in Team, helping them to win the National Youth League while expressing a reputation as one of the most reliable central defenders in the academy.

Although he has not yet made his debut for the senior team, his performances have not gone unnoticed by the technical staff and the scouts. Gariba set the obstacle to the creation of the first team this season.

“”I think this season. When I return, I’m going to fight. I’m going to fight so I am recognized and promoted to the senior team. “”

Gariba’s trip was inspired by some of the current and emerging stars of Barcelona while he dreams of one day playing alongside Pau Cubarsi.

“”It’s Pau Cubarsi. I see him as my senior and I always learn from him because he is very intelligent. I met him and he is such a humble guy. Lamine Yamal is also a very good player. These are young players who play at the highest level and I can’t wait to follow their steps. “”

“”I can’t wait to play one day with the Senior Barcelona team. My dream is to play alongside Pau Cubarsi. I think he is one of the best defenders in the world“, He added.

The 18 -year -old is aware of the levels he must reach to realize his dream and admit that he develops and adapts to the construction culture of Barcelona in the back.

“As Defender in Barcelona, you should know how to be comfortable on the ball. My trainer at the level of young people helped me with my confidence on the ball. Whenever the goalkeeper obtains the ball as a defender, I must be ready to receive a pass. “”

Last season, the senior team approached the triple, only missing the Champions League. Gariba is optimistic that the Blaugrana team can win the European elite competition.

“”Last season was so good. Everyone was talking about Barcelona. We approached the Champions League and I think this year we should take it. I can’t wait to be part of this success. “”

Although Gariba does not personally meet the head coach Hansi Flick, his admiration is clear.

“”I haven’t met him yet but I can’t wait to meet him one day. He is a good coach and I like the way he manages players. I can’t wait to learn from him one day. “”

In just over three years, Gariba has gone from a young fan in Ghana, proudly wearing Barcelona jerseys and watching their TV matches, a key player for their youth team.

His remarkable progress has brought him closer and more and more about his dream of joining the first team in Barcelona. Now, part of the configuration of young people, he regularly progresses towards this objective, determined to continue knocking on the coach’s door until he opens.