A massive part of FC Barcelona remains their great reliance on their youngsters. While at times these youngsters arrive from foreign pastures, a lot of them are Barça’s own. La Masia and the quarry continue to deliver, and they both remain as saving graces for Barcelona.
However, they are not just saving graces for the club it seems. Beyond just being institutionally important, these youngsters have ended up being saviors of a kind for Xavi Hernandez. While the Barcelona head coach is now set to stay with the club for one more season, a lot of the credit for that goes directly to certain youngsters.
As was recently pointed out by Diario AS, six names in particular have been saving graces for Xavi. While no titles have been delivered this season by FC Barcelona and a lot of the blame was directed towards Xavi, the coach himself has managed to give La Blaugrana hope through his dependence on the youth of tomorrow.
These six names belong to the Barcelona quarry, and they have each helped the Catalan giants in their own unique ways. However, it would seem almost criminal to start this list without mentioning the poster boy of this revolution of La Masia talents ascending to the first team at an alarming rate.
Lamine Yamal (aged 16):
Having debuted last season at a point when the league title was practically already secured, Lamine Yamal became the first addition from their prestigious list to make a name for himself under Xavi, despite debuting at the tender age of 15 years and 290 days against Real Betis. He is now an undisputed star for Xavi’s Barcelona, and his gradual progression only points upwards.
Pau Cubarsi (aged 17):
Another one of Xavi’s great bets for the future, Pau Cubarsi is a bonafide hero already for Barcelona. Debuting in January in the Copa Del Ray, the young starlet has since shown no signs of stopping or slowing down. A strong character and leader, the young central defender has a great possibility of continuing to represent Spain at the major tournaments scheduled for the summer.
Fermin Lopez (aged 20):
Unlike his teammates, Fermin Lopez was an anonymous nobody who was blindly trusted by Xavi. It has not been too long since, but it is clear to see that the footballer is a special breed by himself. His tenacity, dynamism, and daring personality are what make him a unique character for Barcelona, and his consistent goals have given La Blaugrana a lot of joy this season as well.
Marc Guiu (aged 18):
A traditional number 9, Marc Guiu is a peculiar eruption from the Barcelona quarry. However, he has responded explosively whenever he has been called upon by the coach. Statistically the most efficient striker in the first team, he manages to deliver goals despite the scarce minutes he tends to be given.
Hector Fort (aged 17):
A specialist fullback, Hector Fort has been a dependable asset for Xavi Hernandez. The young 17-year-old has proven himself to be versatile and capable of playing on whatever flank Barcelona needs him to be. Moreover, he is also resilient and hard to keep down, as he managed to take on some of La Liga’s toughest forwards with the utmost maturity.
Marc Casado (aged 20):
The captain of Barcelona Atletic is also one of Xavi’s official debutants this season. His maturity, leadership, and control over the tempo of the game make him out to be a special kind of midfielder. His appearance was also quite eagerly anticipated, and it finally came against Atletico Madrid.
