For the lucky few who have the privilege of learning from the master, most reap the rewards throughout their careers. Oriol Romeu is just one of many.
Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu has explained to The Guardian that the ‘small details’ he learned under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona have helped him develop into a midfielder of Premier League quality.
The tough-tackling Spaniard has stepped up to the plate to fill a gaping, Victor Wanyama-shaped whole in the Saints midfield, winning the Man of the Match award in last weeks’ goalless draw with Leicester as Southampton once again demonstrate their unrivalled ability to thrive despite the frequent departures of key players.
And Romeu, who joined Barca’s famed La Masia academy at the age of 13 until taking the plunge with Chelsea six years later, admits that Guardiola’s advice have proved invaluable to his tactical maturity.
“He was amazing with young players,” the 25-year-old revealed to The Guardian. “Sometimes he used to spend longer with us than with the senior players. He loved to correct things to make us better.
“He gave me a few tips about playing in the middle. Advice about how the body position is very important.
“And he used to say something that I will always remember: ‘If you want to find somebody short, look long, because then you will see short. If you just look short you won’t see the long pass.’
“It’s just small details like that. He knows because he was a very clever player. He will help you.”
One of the most gifted central pivotes of his generation, it’s no surprise that Guardiola is an expert when it comes to coaching budding midfielders, with the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets (below), Phillip Lahm and Joshua Kimmich all enhancing their game under the tutelage of the Catalan master.
And the student has the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his progression to his old master as Romeu’s Southampton prepare to travel to Manchester City next week.
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