Barcelona's 'New Paul Pogba' Likely To Follow Lionel Messi Blueprint

After becoming Barcelona’s newest star, Ilaix Moriba might see himself staying at Camp Nou for a little longer.

Aside from Lionel Messi, Moriba has become an important part of Ronald Koeman’s attacking arsenal in recent games.

The 18-year-old has impressed in his senior team debut, and after scoring his first goal earlier this month, clubs outside La Liga are now interested in signing him.

However, Ilaix’s father Mamady already envisioned his son continuing his promising career at Camp Nou.

In a recent exclusive interview with Sport, Mamady admitted that he wants Ilaix to stay in Barcelona and be grateful for the “chance” Koeman has given him.

“I consider Ronald [Koeman] the 'Papa of Ilaix',” Mamady said. “You have to be grateful to someone who gives you the chance of a lifetime, as he's done with my son. Not all managers make these gestures. If it wasn't for Koeman, some of these youngsters wouldn't be in the first team.”

“With this dynamic, thanks to Koeman, I am 100 percent thinking of Barça [for Ilaix] Why leave? At that age, taking the risk of going to another team when you have a coach that takes a chance on a kid from La Masia in a tough game like the Sevilla one," he added. "You have to appreciate that. Hardly anyone does it.”

Like Pedri and Ansu Fati, Ilaix is also taking pointers from Messi. In fact, the Argentine himself was the orchestrator of the youngster’s first goal.

For Mamady, he is hopeful that Ilaix could take the same path Messi and other Barca greats took at one of the most famous clubs in the world.

“I hope Ilaix never leaves [Barcelona] and can be an example for the next generation at La Masia,” Mamady admitted. “I want kids who have doubts about staying to see Ilaix and choose to stay. It happened with [Lionel] Messi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Sergio] Busquets, Xavi [Hernandez], etc. I hope he can always stay at Barca.”

“Ilaix has explained to me that Leo's a spectacular person," he continued. "To know him well you have to be with him every day. He's a good person. He always tells Ilaix to get into the area. The best in the world jokes with my son! It's the dream of any father and I have no words, I am really grateful for what he's doing.”

As early as now, Ilaix is already being dubbed as “new Paul Pogba.” His seemingly swift rise to stardom has seen him becoming a target for English Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, Barcelona is expected to renew his contract which is set to expire next year.