In recent football updates, it has been revealed that Barcelona manager Xavi is keeping eye on six La Masia players in this international break who could become the next big thing for their first team.
Former Barca stars like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, and Xavi himself has also emerged from Barcelona’s famous academy.
With some of the players now gone for their international duty, Xavi has called up young talents from the Juvenil A and Juvenil B teams to observe them in training.
Barcelona are currently struggling, and with injuries to players like Pedri and De Jong have made the team suffer more. Moreover, they are financially not wealthy and can’t buy big players to add to their squad.
This season, youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez have broken through the first team and will stay in the team for many years to come.
Let us take a look at the names of players who’s development will be worth keeping an eye out for:
Albert Navarro – left-back
Albert Navarro arrived in 2016 at Barcelona from Damm and has been integrated into the youth team since then.
Navarro possesses a fantastic left-footed strike of the ball, plus he is a specialist in free kicks and is also very powerful. Moreover, his versatility has also drawn comparisons to Mika Marmol, as Navarro can be deployed as a centre-back.
Guillem Victor – Right-back
Guillem Victor plays for Juvenil B as a full-back, and has also showcased his class with Juvenil A. He is regarded as the most exciting and versatile player of the lot.
Victor naturally plays as a right-back but can also play as a left-back, as interior midfielder, at pivot and an invert when playing wide.
His profile is similar to Joao Cancelo, as he is very composed, and has elegance on the ball with great passing ability and is very clever with his movement in and out of possession.
Nil Caldero – Left winger
Nil Caldero arrived at Barcelona three years ago and can play at left or right wing and at right wingback.
The 18-year-old is very direct, pacy, and is not afraid to take on players and drives towards the box with a keen eye for goal. Caldero has already scored four goals in 15 games for the Juvenil A.
His style of play has been compared to former Barca winger Pedro Rodriguez.
Cristo Munoz – Left winger
Cristo Munoz plays as a left-winger and inside forward. Moreover, he also possesses skills to play at False 9.
He has a similar profile to Athletic Club player Oihan Sancet, as he is adept at entering the area and taking shots at goal.
Arnau Pradas – Left winger
Arnau Pradas joined Barca’s youth setup a decade ago and exhibits incredible close control with the ball glued to his left foot.
The 18-year-old plays as a left-winger and can also play on the right, and as an interior with immaculate dribbling technique, he can beat players and find tight space.
Oscar Gistau – Striker
Oscar Gistau is just 15 years old, but has a great ceiling to become one of the best players. Gistau plays as a striker and left winger, as he has a relentless eye for goal.
He is a really good presser, and has scored seven goals in his 13 appearances across the Juvenil A and B sides.
For more sports articles, visit our home page and never miss out on another football update again.
