Marc Guiu has emerged as a standout player for Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League this season. The 18-year-old striker put on a dazzling display during Chelsea’s commanding 5-1 win against Shamrock Rovers, netting a hat-trick in the first half and further cementing his reputation as one of the brightest talents in European football.
Guiu’s instinctive finishing and sharp movement helped the Blues maintain their perfect record in the competition and secure the top spot in the league phase. The Spanish forward’s performance has drawn widespread praise, leaving fans and pundits alike marveling at his potential.
Guiu’s first goal came from capitalizing on a defensive mistake when he intercepted a misplaced header by Darragh Burns and calmly slotted the ball into the net. His second showcased his tenacity as he pounced on Daniel Cleary’s under-hit back pass, squeezing the ball into the goal from an improbable angle to restore Chelsea’s lead after Shamrock Rovers had briefly equalized.
The hat-trick was completed in style during first-half stoppage time. Guiu connected perfectly with Noni Madueke’s pinpoint cross, directing a composed header into the far corner. This brought his tally to six goals in the league phase, making him the competition’s top scorer.
Though replaced by Joao Felix in the second half, Guiu’s electrifying performance ensured he was the name on everyone’s lips after the match. Former Chelsea star Joe Cole, now a pundit, was among those impressed, describing the young forward as a player who could become a top-tier striker in just a few years.
Guiu’s path to Chelsea has been an intriguing one. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, the striker made an unforgettable debut for the Catalan giants in October 2023, scoring just 33 seconds after coming on as a substitute to secure a 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao.
Despite his early success, Guiu faced challenges during his youth career, including injuries related to growth spurts that limited his game time. Barcelona stood by him during those periods, and he rewarded their patience with a series of impactful performances in the 2023-24 season, including a Champions League goal against Royal Antwerp.
Chelsea took notice and activated his £5 million release clause in June, signing him to a long-term contract. Some, including Joe Cole, have questioned how Barcelona allowed such a promising talent to leave. Albert Capellas, the club’s former assistant youth director, highlighted Guiu’s predatory instincts, calling him a “finisher” with an exceptional ability to score goals.
Despite his exploits in Europe, Guiu’s opportunities in domestic competitions have been limited. He has made only one Premier League appearance this season, coming on as a substitute against Manchester City in Chelsea’s opening match. His contributions in the Carabao Cup were also brief, with the Blues’ early exit curtailing his chances to shine.
However, in the Conference League, Guiu has thrived, scoring at a remarkable rate of one goal every 47 minutes. While Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku’s strong form has restricted his involvement in other competitions, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca hinted that Guiu’s
