FC Barcelona as an entity has always showcased great attention towards its youngsters and has counted on them to deliver in times of great need, a trend that continues to this day.
From the era of players such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, and several others has come an expectation of extremely high regards in terms of the quality of players produced by the Barcelona academy of La Masia as well as the young recruits brought in from elsewhere.
Now having taken over as manager at FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez continues to put his trust in the young talents of 20-year-old Pedri and Pablo Gavi, who has just today turned 19 years of age. Both youngsters have been consecutive Golden Boy winners as well, the most prestigious award for young talents in European football.
Moving forward as well, as highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona continue to rely upon the services of youth talents from both La Masia as well as outside recruits to reinforce the team at a time when huge blockbuster arrivals are an unfeasible luxury for the club’s vulnerable economic standing.
At the age of 19, Alejandro Balde is another La Masia product who has taken the European stage by storm and effortlessly replaced the void left by Barcelona veteran Jordi Alba at the left-back position.
In other areas, Barcelona have acquired and confirmed the arrival of 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense, as the youngster looks set to arrive as a reinforcement for the center-forward position.
Another summer acquisition this year was 18-year-old central defender Mikayil Faye from Croatian side NK Kustosija, who has been primarily brought in to reinforce the Barcelona Atletic side of Rafa Marquez, and could be a future prospect for the first team as well.
Other great developments include La Masia developed midfielder Fermin Lopez, aged 20, and winger Lamine Yamal, aged 16. The latter has heads turned all across Europe already given his debut against Real Betis last season at the age of 15 which made him the youngest Barcelona player to debut in La Liga history.
While the winger’s talent speaks for itself and is complimented by all those around him, Fermin Lopez is another recent revelation that has shocked many with his display against Real Madrid in the United States pre-season game in particular.
Scoring a wonderful goal and providing a great assist, the midfielder made good use of the praise he had already received from his Barcelona seniors Pedri and Alejandro Balde, both of whom highlighted him as one to watch.
The latest acquisition comes from Germany however, with Barcelona having signed 16-year-old midfield talent Noah Darvich from German side Freiburg II. Expected to play primarily for Barca Atletic, the midfielder has been reflected upon by many as being one of the top emerging talents of European football at the moment.
