Barcelona’s La Masia is undoubtedly one of the best youth Academies in the World having produced exceptional players like Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Gerrard Pique.
There was a point when at least 5 or 6 players in Barcelona’s Starting lineup were youth Academy products. So here are five La Masia Products who have the Potential to break into Barcelona’s first team and give the stars a run for their Money. Like the Chelsea article with a similar format, we’re going to consider players under the age of 23 as Youth Academy Players.
We’re talking youth academies this week on @3atthebck with a specific focus on @FCBarcelona’s famous La Masia.
Let us know who's your favourite product of La Masia and whether you think other clubs can replicate it's success! #3atthebackSEASON2 pic.twitter.com/SUfhODrreu
— comeback SZN (@3atthebck) November 13, 2017
1. Carles Alena- 20 Years Old |
The 20-Year-Old Midfielder plays in an attacking role and the chances of replacing, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal or Arthur Melo will be no mean feat but you can expect the youngster to play a rotation role with the Catalan Giants and you never know, he could slot into the Midfield more regularly in the upcoming Seasons. Alena is also committed to Barcelona, having signed a Contract till 2020.
2. Marc Cucurella- 20 Years Old |
On Loan at Eibar, Cucurella is a very resourceful Left-Back and is likely to succeed Jordi Alba in the Barcelona team. The Spanish youngster is very dangerous offensively with his clever runs and pin-point crosses while he’s equally solid defensively and is aggressive with his tackling. Given that Barcelona have sold Lucas Digne to Everton Cucurella has a genuine shot at being Alba’s backup Next Season and may even be his long-term replacement.
3. Abel Ruiz- 18 Years Old |
Ruiz is a traditional Number 9 striker and a bloody good one. The Spaniard captained Barca’s under-17 side that went on to win the European Youth Championship and played a key role in Barcelona’s triumphant UEFA Youth League Campaign last Season. The Spaniard will turn 19 Next Season and Given that Barcelona have sold Paco Alcacer to Borussia Dortmund and Luis Suarez is now in his 30s, we could see a lot more of this talented youngster next Season.
4. Carles Perez- 20 Years Old |
Peres is an extremely talented winger who prefers to operate on the Right side. He has played a Key role in Barcelona’s exploits in the UEFA Youth League over the last few Seasons, Particularly last Year when he scored Seven Goals in Nine games to guide his team to a much-deserved Victory. This Youngster has a bright future and fans need to watch out for this one!
5. Ricard Puig- 19 Years Old |
Puig is probably considered as the most exciting prospects by Barcelona themselves, which is clear when you look at his release clause. Puig has been tied down till 2021 with a whopping 100 Million Euro buyout clause and trust me he’s worth every penny. The Midfielder is extremely creative and has already trained with the first team on multiple occasions, it’s just a matter of time before he breaks into the first team and cements his place.
[…] Barcelona moved above Sevilla to the top of La Liga as Gerard Pique and Carles Alena scored to secure a win over struggling Villarreal. Pique headed in Ousmane Dembele’s right-wing cross for the opening goal. And youngster Alena scored his first La Liga goal when he chipped the ball over Sergio Asenjo from Lionel Messi’s through ball. […]