FC Barcelona have had a difficult time from a financial perspective in recent seasons which has limited their ability to sign the players they want in the transfer market. Even in the summer just gone buy, they only made one marquee signing – Dani Olmo.
However, in these dark times for the club, La Masia has stepped up big time, giving the first team players who are ready to compete at the highest level at such a young age. Some of the players who have come through the ranks have been simply incredible.
In the last few seasons, the likes of Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Alejandro Balde, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi, and last but not least, Lamine Yamal have all come through the academy and gone on to have key roles in the first team.
The remarkable work of La Masia has never gone unnoticed and continues to attract praise from almost all quarters. Yesterday, Vincent Kompany hailed La Masia for the development of Lamine Yamal.
Now, as highlighted by SPORT, Arsenal legend and former Barcelona player Thierry Henry, speaking on CBS Golazo, paid tribute to La Masia’s success. Here’s what he had to say:
“Tell me: How many teams have dominated world football with players from their academy? The boys are there, the work is being done. The reality is that there are several footballers who, after growing up in La Masia, have individually and collectively dominated football for years.”
Henry, despite not being remembered for his time with Barcelona has always had good words for his former club. He has hit the nail right on the head in this instance as what La Masia has done for Barcelona especially in the past few seasons but also in the past cannot be understated.
It is not just the players who have succeeded at Barcelona. The likes of Thiago Alcantara went on to establish themselves as one of the best players in his position in the world at some point in time. Dani Olmo chose a different path but now finds himself back at the Catalan club as one of the best playmakers in the world.
Even in recent times, Oscar Mingueza has gone on to surpass expectations at Celta Vigo and is second only to Jules Kounde as the best right-back in La Liga so far this season. Even Riqui Puig has gone on to become one of the most technically gifted players in the MLS.
As long as Barcelona continue to be a powerhouse, La Masia will continue to supply. As long as La Masia continues to supply, Barcelona will remain a powerhouse. The equation is that simple. It is an infinite loop and just like Henry, the fans are extremely excited about it.
