Marc Guiu is making waves at Chelsea, proving his worth in European competitions. The former Barcelona academy striker showcased his potential with a stunning hat-trick in Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Conference League. The performance has reignited debates about Barcelona’s decision to let him go.

A Star in the Making

Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Guiu has become a key figure for Chelsea in the Conference League. While his Premier League appearances have been limited to a single outing, the young forward has thrived on the European stage. Thursday’s match marked his first hat-trick for the club, taking his tally to six goals in six games in the competition.

Guiu’s goals came in the first half, with the Granollers-born striker opening the scoring, restoring Chelsea’s lead at 2-1, and completing his hat-trick in added time before the break with an unstoppable header. Fellow former Barcelona player Marc Cucurella rounded off the scoreline, emphasizing Chelsea’s dominance as they finished the group stage with a perfect record of 18 points.

Criticism of Barcelona’s Decision

Following Guiu’s stellar performance, questions are being raised in England about Barcelona’s choice to let him leave. Former Chelsea star Joe Cole expressed his surprise during a post-match discussion on TNT:

"This kid could be a starting number nine in two years. I think Barcelona made a mistake letting him go. When I compared him to Luis Suárez, people criticized me, but Guiu has all the qualities to reach that level," Cole stated.

A Rising Star

Guiu’s development at Chelsea continues to highlight the potential Barcelona overlooked. His instinct in front of goal, combined with his composure and aerial ability, has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. For Chelsea, Guiu’s emergence is a testament to their vision in nurturing talent, while for Barcelona, it’s a painful reminder of a young gem they allowed to slip away.

As Guiu continues to impress, he is poised to cement his place in Chelsea’s future, leaving Barcelona fans wondering what might have been.