Just when everyone wrote him off... Ansu Fati is back!

Remember Ansu Fati? Yes, that kid who's been pronounced one of the most extraordinary La Masia talents ever, named a "new Lionel Messi," and given Barcelona's "sacred" #10 at the age of 19. The same boy whose career started going seriously south since, who clocked less than 30 minutes on average for Barcelona last season, and who spent the season before at Brighton on loan.

Was it the pressure? Were those the expectations? Only Fati can tell, and maybe even he isn't sure. Either way, people have slowly but surely begun giving up on him, placing him in the group of "eternal talents" who never managed to live up to their potential.

Coach, can my friend play a little bit?

However, all those "doubting Thomases" might have jumped to conclusions a bit early because Fati is still there. And not only is he present - he's up and running!

On July 1, he joined the French AS Monaco on loan, trying to revive his career at one of the rare teams that wanted to give him a shot. And this time, both the forward and the club may have hit the bullseye!

But it didn't seem probable in the beginning. Out of seven pre-season games Monaco played, Fati was out of the squad in five, missing the remaining two as well as the first four Ligue 1 clashes because he lacked match fitness. After all, his last match was Barca's duel against Real Valladolid, played on May 3, in which he clocked 45 minutes.

He debuted for Les Rouge et Blanc five days ago, in the Champions League game against Club Brugge, 79 days after joining the Ligue 1 side. Monaco lost 4-1, but got Fati, who spent 28 minutes on the pitch, scored a consolation goal, and was the best player on his team.

Three days later, the club from Fontvieille faced Metz in Ligue 1. The result at the break was 1-1, so manager Adi Hutter turned to his bench, and subbed in Fati at halftime.

Epilogue? The 22-year-old netted a brace and Monaco triumphed 5-2!

Now, this may be just a brief spark, but why shouldn't we hope that Ansu is back? We, as well as him, should be allowed to dream that all the hardships are behind him and that he'll be a different player next June when he returns to his boyhood club. The one capable of making an impact and leaving a mark. Capable of outshining his friend Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.

And again, this may be just a brief spark, but let us all (Fati included) enjoy while it lasts.