Francisco 'Paco' Alcacer is currently one of the hottest young prospects for Spain's junior teams. The nineteen year old striker is a canterano of Valencia B and first came to the attention of Europe's Elite clubs with his superb performance in the 2010 UEFA U17 European Championship. Although Spain lost the final to England, Alcacer was the tournaments top scorer with 6 goals in 5 matches. One of the admirers he attracted during tournament is FC Barcelona, who would like to acquire Paco's services for their B team. Barcelona's B team is currently having a rough time scoring the goals it needs in second division and therefore, Paco is being considered as the man to add the bite, to Barcelona B's lackluster attack. However, Paco is not just a player who can add the needed goals so Barcelona B can remain in second division. If Barcelona do acquire Paco Alcacer in January, they will get a player that is a sure-bet for Barcelona's first team and the Spanish national team within years to come. Alcacer is the real deal and for Barcelona to secure his services at this age would be a wise investment because of Paco's immense potential.
Paco Alcacer - Valencia's Young Talent (U-17 Euros Highscorer) (via sarahLFCB)
Alcacer was linked with a move to Arsenal after the 2010 UEFA U17 tournament, but it never materialized due to the players contract with Valencia. Playing alongside Barca B's Deulofeu also made Barcelona take notice of the strikers potential; the club even made a €3 million offer to Valencia over the summer which was rejected. Barcelona have not given up in their pursuit of the coveted prospect, and now with the B team struggling to achieve results, are even more determined to land the young striker at a time when Valencia is in a vulnerable position. Valencia is not only facing debt, the club has also not been able to provide an easy gateway from it's B team to it's first team. This has prompted promising canterano's to leave it's academy to seek greener pastures.
At the end of last season, Valencia B lost ISCO, a talented midfielder, to Malaga for €6 million, after he could not come to terms with Valencia. Also leaving Valencia was Arron Niguez, another youngster with a bright future, who was tired of being loaned out by Valencia. After not being considered by Unai Emery for the first team, Arron chose to terminate his contract with Valencia and sign with second division team Almeria. Valencia has hit a roadblock yet again, this time with the crown jewel of the academy, Paco. It is unlikely that Valencia can keep Alcacer since it is stipulated in his contract that if the player isn't in the first team by June 2012, he can leave on a bossman. Emery has still not considered Alcacer for the first team in the current campaign. In light of the mounting debt the club is facing, the hierachy is most likely to be tempted to sell the player if his €10 million release clause is met. Barcelona is not the only team interested in acquiring his services. Also chasing the players signature are EPL duo Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC. But it is thought that Barcelona have the edge because they are a Spanish squad with a proven track record for promoting youth players to the first team. Barcelona is also looking to improve their B team squad and don't simply want a player for filler, they want a star for the future and Alcacer ticks all the boxes.
Alcacer's has seemingly boundless potential. The previous video highlights his predatory instincts and vindicate the common consensus - the boy is a natural finisher. This year Alcacer's stock seemed to be in a decline, since he was not a starter for the U19. However, he was facing stiff competition from Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata and Juanmi of Malaga. The Madrid prodigy became the tournaments top scorer with 6 goals. Nevertheless, Alcacer gave the U19 manager food for thought. In the final of UEFA U19 Euro Championship Spain where pitted against the Czech Republic, by no means an easy opponent. The match went to overtime after 1-1 draw in regular time and Spain introduced Alcacer as a last resort. The rest as they say is history, as Alcacer once again showcased his talents and scored two goals against the Czech republic, who seemed to be headed to victory after an early OT goal. There can be no doubt that if the manager had not introduced Alcacer, they would have lost the Euro U19. Paco single-handedly turned the match around and saved his country from losing the tournament.
Paco Alcacer Goals Final Euro U-19 2011 (via HotaruVCF)
Alcacer has scored 33 times in 54 appearances for Valencia's B team, a goals to games ratio of around (61% ). Morata, his U19 teammate, has made 15 goals in 31 appearances for Castilla (48%), which in itself quite impressive but as we have seen, Alcacer's numbers are unreal. To put this in perspective, Messi has 124 goals in 181 Liga appearances for Barcelona meaning a ratio of of 68%. Alcacer's has the potential, and the right tools, to become a star. His acquisition would be a wise investment for Barcelona, one that Valencia will regret if Alcacer is sold. Alcacer has the technical ability and versatility to be a game-changing player. These are traits that a Barcelona player must possess, therefore Alcacer would be a perfect talent to add to the academy and the first team. If he is acquired for Barcelona B, expect to see him to be fast-tracked to the first squad within a season or two.
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