Sergino Dest broke new floor for American soccer when he signed with Barcelona, changing into one of many few U.S. Males’s Nationwide Crew (USMNT) gamers to affix the Catalan giants.
At simply 19, he discovered himself enjoying alongside legends, studying from veterans like Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
For a short time, it appeared Dest was on the trail to changing into a key determine in Barcelona‘s future. However issues took a dramatic flip when Xavi Hernandez took over as head coach.
Dest had a promising begin after becoming a member of the Catalan giants in 2020, studying from Messi and adapting to the model of the crew.
Nonetheless, the arrival of Xavi in 2021 marked a big shift in Dest‘s fortunes on the membership. In an interview with The Athletic, Dest opened up about how Xavi’s tenure affected his confidence and alternatives.
“When Xavi got here, I did not get truthful alternatives anymore. I did not really feel appreciated, and my confidence stage was decrease,” Dest admitted to The Athletic.
Initially, Dest was instructed by Xavi that he could be an vital a part of the squad for the following season, however he was later suggested to depart, which left the American defender feeling confused and upset.
Xavi and Messi’s exit mixed to hinder Dest’s progress
Whereas Xavi’s management performed an element in Dest‘s struggles at Barcelona, the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 additionally had a profound influence.
Dest, reflecting on his time with Messi, expressed remorse over not having extra time to construct a partnership with the Argentine icon.
Certainly one of his profession highlights got here throughout a match in opposition to Actual Sociedad, the place he scored twice, with Messi helping on one of many targets. Dest recalled Messi‘s distinctive capability to arrange the proper defense-breaking go, a ability not all teammates might adapt to, however which he had realized to anticipate.
“We had constructed rapport. I began to really feel extra comfy within the crew and knew what I needed to do,” Dest defined.
He believes that if Messi had stayed, his second season might have been rather more profitable at Barcelona.
Alongside Messi, Jordi Alba additionally had a powerful affect on Dest‘s improvement. Alba emphasised the significance of focus and focus on the sector, a lesson Dest continues to hold with him as he strikes ahead in his profession.
Regardless of the frustrations and a string of unsuccessful mortgage spells, Dest stays grateful for the expertise of enjoying at Barcelona.
