Barcelona continue to shed light upon their talented youngsters by constantly giving them opportunities. La Masia and the club’s subsidiary have long been a great key to success for the club. Even now, Barcelona continues to rely on its youngsters to step up whenever the club needs their support.
However, experience makes a whole lot of difference in the world of football. Competing at the highest level across multiple competitions, Barcelona knows better than anyone how important experience can be. Yet, until and unless certain risks are taken, gifted youngsters will never get their chance to explode on the big stage.
For this reason, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Xavi has included eight new faces in his squad list that travels to Saudi Arabia. None of these eight promising starlets have taken part in the Spanish Super Cup before, and this could be their first experience of this spectacle in Saudi Arabia.
Lamine Yamal (aged 16):
Already a mainstay within the first team, Lamine Yamal is truly a wonder to behold. Having rested over the last game due to a suspension, the prodigious winger will get his chance to shine against other great Spanish teams in the competition. Despite being barely a teenager, Yamal already has the world at his feet with the talent he possesses.
Fermin Lopez (aged 20):
Another great addition to the first team in recent times, Fermin Lopez is a dynamic midfielder. He was crucial in helping Barcelona overcome Barbastro in their recent Copa Del Ray clash and he will hope to offer even more support in Saudi Arabia.
Marc Guiu (aged 18):
Having just turned 18, Marc Guiu remains a great forward addition from the subsidiary. Irrespective of where he plays, the Spanish striker has been scoring goals for fun this season. He could be key for Xavi at some important moment during the competition.
Hector Fort (aged 17):
Another solid performer against Barbastro, Hector Fort continues to impress. The young fullback stepped up to the occasion when he was called upon and delivered a great performance. He could also get some minutes in Saudi Arabia.
Marc Casado (aged 20):
A key player from the subsidiary, Marc Casado is heralded as a special talent. He has only two appearances this season in the Champions League, despite being called up on several other occasions as well.
Pau Cubarsi (aged 16):
One of the most promising defensive talents La Masia has produced in quite some time, Pau Cubarsi is raring to go. He has been described with great adjectives by all his coaches but he is yet to truly get a chance under Xavi Hernandez.
Ander Astralaga (aged 19):
The first of two goalkeepers on this list of eight, Ander Astralaga is biding his time waiting for his opportunity. While it seems unlikely that he could get a chance, it must be remembered that he is the deputy as of right now in case anything goes wrong with Inaki Pena.
Diego Kochen (aged 17):
While Astralaga’s options are limited, Diego Kochen’s then become next to impossible. The 17-year-old American goalkeeper will most likely treat this experience as a great learning step in his development up ahead.
