What Can Barcelona Realistically Expect from Munir El Haddadi This Season?

Because of the recent upward trend of Munir El Haddadi, it makes sense for Barcelona fans to be overjoyed and extremely excited. They are right to feel that way, but they must also be cautious.

The 19-year-old has already started four games for the first team this season, and it looks like he will certainly play plenty more minutes. Munir has also started to form a familiarity with players such as Lionel Messi, which bodes well for the future of the Blaugrana.

Again, it is very easy to be overexcited about Munir at this point. The young forward is getting plenty of minutes on the pitch and is showing that he can already play at a very high level as a professional footballer.

However, what can fans realistically expect from the La Masia graduate this season? Let’s break it down, shall we?

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To begin with, fans should not expect Munir to continue being a regular face in the starting lineup as the season stretches on. The club is sure to understand the dangers of putting too much pressure on the starlet, and giving him a starting role could hurt his progression.

At the same time, Luis Suarez will be cleared to play soon, which will certainly take time away from young stars like Munir.

While Munir will unlikely continue as a starter for the Blaugrana, that does not mean he won’t see the pitch. With wingers like Pedro severely under-performing, and Enrique’s fondness for Munir, the young forward will still get plenty of games under his belt this season.

As Munir plays more matches, you can be sure that he will grow even more comfortable with each passing day. His familiarity with Messi and Neymar will only grow, and that will make him an even more dangerous player in the Barcelona system.

The 19-year-old should also be expected to score a handful of goals this year while also playing provider at times. Being the third option in attack at most times will leave Munir open for chances, and his ability to create chances will bring even more goals.

It is also important to not forget Munir is still a teenager. He has handled pressure very well for his age so far, but he will make mistakes at times. While he is still learning and developing, fans must be ready to show him patience as he faces growing pains in the months to come.

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When it really comes down to it, Munir is only going to keep getting better. This season the 19-year-old is going to become a regular face in the first-team squad, and in the upcoming months fan should certainly expect him to be fighting for a more consistent spot in the squad.

Munir El Haddadi is the real deal, but he is still very young. With patience and the freedom to continue his development, there is no limit on how good the La Masia graduate can really become.

What are you expecting from Munir El Haddadi this season? Can the 19-year-old become a starter for the Blaugrana? Leave your thoughts and comments below!