Best academy in world
©FC Barcelona
Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy is the most prestigious in the world and it’s produced a conveyor belt of talent over the decades. It was first established in 1979 and shaped by the iconic Johan Cruyff with some illustrious players graduating from the academy. Lionel Messi is the most famous alumni with the Argentinian arguably the greatest player of all time and Barcelona’s record goalscorer.
Academy graduates formed the cornerstone of the best club side of all-time under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola – another La Masia alumni. In November 2012, Barcelona famously named a starting eleven consisting of all former La Masia academy players including Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. Lamine Yamal is Messi’s heir as the figurehead of Barcelona’s academy success but we’ve examined five youngsters who could make their breakthrough under Hansi Flick this season.
Five La Masia graduates tipped for Barcelona breakthrough
Ebrima Tunkara is the current jewel of La Masia and he’s the most highly-rated current academy player. The Gambian born starlet is a supremely gifted technical attacking midfielder, who can also play off either wing. Tunkara was one of three players namechecked by Flick pre-season and he’s viewed as a future first-team regular. Tunakara is incredibly creative, extremely quick and an exceptional dribbler. The 16-year-old has experienced injury issues recently but he’s a name to remember and he already has a market value of €5 million.
A serious knee injury delayed Xavi Espart’s professional debut but that arrived last season and he featured in both Champions League last 16 legs against Newcastle United. Predominantly a right-back, Espart is expected to play more regularly next season and was praised by Flick earlier this week, stating he was a ‘top-level player’. Crucially, Espart excelled for Spain as a central midfielder in the U19 Euros and could play as an inverted right-back for Barcelona with Jules Kounde the only senior option.
Orian Goren was the third player that Flick highlighted for praise during their pre-season training in England. The Israeli youth international featured against Birmingham City and he’s expected to make his senior debut this season. He’s an exceptionally intelligent midfielder that has received comparisons to Pedri due to his similar characteristics.
Guille Fernández is one of the most exciting prospects at La Masia and he’s been at the club since joining from rivals Espanyol as a youngster. The 18-year-old is yet to truly excel for Barca’s B-team, which is surprising as he possesses the skillset to shine. Fernandez’s best role is an advanced central midfielder with his ability in possession his biggest strength and he has excellent technical skills.
Toni Fernández is Guille’s cousin, but he made his professional debut last season. The Spain U18 international has posted very impressive numbers for Barca’s youth players and he’s more versatile than his cousin, comfortable as a number ten or right winger. He has a wand of a left-foot and also puts in a commendable shift defensively.
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