La Masia, Barcelona's world famous youth academy was founded with the same dutch philosophy of total football which legendary coach Johann Cruyff brought with him when he was manager at Barcelona.
It was same founding principle of football used in Barcelona senior team that was also used by La Masia; No difference at all.
La Masia is a symbol of FC Barcelona. La Masia the home for Barcelona’s youth players who live and grow up in the residence. Many of Barça’s most prolific stars have lived here, and it is part of the club’s culture, history and etiquette. One of the key reasons for this great achievement of FC Barcelona is the world class players they have. Most of them were produced through their own cantera or youth academy, known as 'La Masia de Can Planes’ usually called as La Masia, which is arguably the best youth academy in the world. The likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Puyol have all graduated from La Masia. La Masia has also been instrumental in the success of Spain National team with majority of its players coming from the home grounds of Barcelona.
"The player who has passed through La Masia has something different to the rest, it's a plus that only comes from having competed in a Barcelona shirt from the time you were a child."
Josep Guardiola, Former FC Barcelona coach
In the few years, it's gone under the radar , this is more illustrative of problems at Barcelona than anything else. Just 7-8 years ago Barcelona's La Masia youth academy was considered the best in the world. I remember how coaches around the world tried to understand and replicate what La Masia did. The Board under bartomeu puts priority on making big name signings instead of looking for players in La Masia which leads to a lot of youngsters deciding to move elsewhere.
Last season when Barcelona were in crisis at the back because of injuries. Players from Barca B stepped up likes Araujo or mingueza and they performed exceptionally through out the season. There were other players likes of Riqui puig or Ansu fati also performed really bravely. Ansu fati is an exceptional talent who looks destined to be a great player. The best thing about him is that he's clinical in front of the goal from the moment he made his with FC Barcelona at the age of 16.
Now, let's look at the players from Barca B who are knocking at the door of the first team of FC Barcelona-
Alex Collado:
Álex Collado is a number “10” who can play in midfield also on the wings. Alex played a couple of dozens of games both at right-wing and as a central midfielder. His intelligence lets him able to play in both positions and do it well.
Understanding the game, whenever to pressure the opponent when to tackle or what space to occupy to limit opposition movement is one of the strengths Collado developed playing. Alex Collado is currently the Captain of the Barca B team at Barcelona and the 20-year-old is a left-side interior who is highly thought of at the Catalan club. The midfielder, who is 21 in April, is a superb passer with excellent technical ability and also good dribbling skills that allow him to play further forward if necessary or as a winger. Collado is another in a long line of talented midfielders at La Masia, where he has looked up to the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara. He is also an admirer of David Silva and is perhaps more similar to the former Manchester City man. Barca believe it's the right moment for him to get promoted to the first team.
NICO GONZALEZ:
Nico González is a midfielder who can play in multiple positions in the middle of the pitch. His versatility allows him to play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or even as an attacking midfielder.
González is notable for his vision and reading of the game, his skill in possession and his vision and tactical nous. Just like any midfielder from La Masia Nico has excellent passing ability, and with the use of through balls, it helps the player to create dangerous opportunities for his teammates. In his play, you can witness his admiration for Sergio Busquets. By using his body in a similar way to Busquets he manages to trick his opponents to pass to another player. With great first touch and close ball control, as well as his physique it’s difficult to take away the ball from him. It’s only a matter of time when we will see Nico Gonzalez flourish at Barcelona with his talent.
JANDRO ORELLANA:
Jandro Orellana mainly plays as a defensive midfielder but can play as an interior. He is a technically gifted midfielder, intelligent on and off the ball. Jandro is the one who connects the defence, midfield and attack. Despite his young age his understanding of the game is one of the best in lower divisions and could be up there with some La Liga midfielder.
Jandro Combining intelligence with his vision he showcases his incredible passing ability. Whenever he is pressured by an opposition player, he loses his marker. A few seconds later you can see an incredible pass from Jandro, which breaks a few defensive lines. However, his defensive aspect of the game still needs to be improved. Jandro Orellana has an extraordinary talent and suits Barcelona midfield to replace Busquets in the future.
ALEJANDRO BALDE:
Alejandro is a left-footed left-back, who can also play as a left-winger as he did during his time at La Masia. Balde is a natural attacking fullback with tremendous dribbling, as well as being skilful on the ball. His overlapping runs into the box one of his best attributes, especially with some space around him.
Alejandro Balde is exceptional on the ball and likes to combine with a winger, to create space for his teammates. Also, very unpredictable in his attacking aspects of the game, he can comfortably dribble into the box, or look for a cross, when necessary. In near future hopefully we will see him in the first team. It’s better to let Balde play day in and day out with Barcelona B.
ILAIX MORIBA:
Ilaix Moriba is a right-footed central midfielder who people often compare to Paul Pogba, due to similar playing styles. Ilaix is a versatile player and could play as an attacking midfielder.
Last season, Ilaix made notable appearances for barca and his performances were impressive. Also, as a defensive midfielder thanks to being good in the air and aggressive style in the defence. His physicality is not his only excellent attribute. He has a great technical ability, excellent shielding the ball. It looks like Ilaix Moriba could enter first dynamics very soon but due to recent contract renewal process it halted his place in the first team.
Yusuf demir:
Austrian forward Yusuf Demir has joined the club on loan for the 2021-22 season.The 18-year-old moves on a temporary deal, although the Catalan giants do have the option to make the transfer permanent.
He's an attacking midfielder, left-footed, who can also play across the attack. This season, he's scored six goals and set up two more in 23 appearances for Rapid Vienna.
Most of these players will do pre-season with the first team. They have the chance to impress Ronald koeman. As long as La Masia continues to produce players at the rate they are producing players and one or two of them become elite, they will remain as one of the top acadamies in the world.
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