With the recent development and persisting case of injuries at FC Barcelona, it is no surprise Xavi Hernandez now looks towards the reserves. The young graduates of La Masia contain some gems within their ranks that the first team manager believes are ready to make that next step forward in their respective footballing progressions.
The injuries to Barcelona starlet Pedri, winger Ousmane Dembele, the maestro in midfield Frenkie De Jong, and reliable defender Andreas Christensen have all individually taken their toll on recent performances by the team.
To compensate for these absences, Xavi’s chosen four more or less occupy similar zonal duties as to the absent players for the game against Girona. All included players have been left out of Rafa Marquez’s squad with the subsidiary and are also players that have already made their debuts under Xavi Hernandez previously.
Angel Alarcon (18 years old, Forward)
The young number 9, who has been rather compelling for the Juvenil A side, is capable of scoring goals and wrecking chaos in front of the goal. A strong off-the-ball player with solid movement, he could be a very good asset to have at the disposal of the manager should the need for additional horsepower arise in front of the goal.
Estanis Pedrola (19 years old, Winger/Forward)
Pedrola has been in sensational form this season upon returning from injury, with 2023 having been a standout year thus far for him. Undeniably talented with the ball and in unsettling opposition defenders, he is also a great threat in front of goal. His inclusion comes as no surprise given his recent form.
Aleix Garrido (19 years old, Central Midfielder)
From the same age group of players born in 2004 that Gavi comes from and a former teammate at the youth level of the current Barcelona number 30, Aleix Garrido possesses elite qualities that embody what a Barcelona product represents. Great spatial awareness, ball progression, composure, and vision, the player is a very welcome invite to the first team, with Xavi having personally praised the youngster before.
Marc Casado (19 years old, CDM/Fullback)
A typical Barcelona midfield product, with good ball retention, reliable redistribution, and comfortable with the delicate first touch, the central defensive midfielder is also a welcome addition to the squad. Having been used as a right back in the past as well, the player provides a versatile profile to Xavi that could be quite useful should the need arise to utilize said versatility.
