August 18th, 1998. October 2nd, 1999. August 14th, 2002. October 29th, 2002. October 17th, 2004. September 13th, 2008. 6 dates that will forever live in the history of FC Barcelona. 6 dates that have radically sculpted a new era for a once underachieving club. These dates created a chapter that has yet to close.
Why, you’ve probably asked yourselves, did I mention these six dates? What’s the significance of them? Why do they have such a salient imprint in the genesis of the greatest era in club history?
Because these dates are the debuts of six of the most prominent players in Barça’s history. On these monumental occasions, we saw the introduction of Xavi, Carles Puyol, Victor Valdés, Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Gerard Piqué, and Sergio Busquets.
These are six of the greatest players in club history, and their impact is palpable just based off Barça’s success in the past 11 seasons. 4 champions league titles. 7 La Liga titles. 4 Copa del Rey’s. 7 Supercopa de España’s. You get where I’m going. An unprecedented duration of success, and it’s all thanks to one thing: La Masia.
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Barcelona’s youth academy as often been hailed as the best in the world; The Gold Standard; The youth academy every club would kill to have. That’s totally understandable, given the world-class players Barça have. And there’s still the likes of Cesc Fábregas, Jordi Alba, Thiago, and Pedro whose roots lay in the famed academy. With the talent that called La Masia home, there should be wonderkids stepping out all the time for Barça.
However, the incessant flow of stars has been a bit dry lately. We haven’t seen the influx of stars that became so familiar. For every Piqué, you get Bojan. Every Busquets produces a Martin Montoya. One day you get Lionel Messi, the other, Isaac Cuenca. Players that were flops right from the start.
There’s certainly been players who were good but didn’t quite work out. Munir and Marc Bartra have been sent to greener pastures. In the former’s case, there’s still the chance he returns, since it’s only a loan deal to Valencia. But the hopes are grim; the option to buy is a very cheap €12 million. Munir can still develop into a world-class player, but he never seemed to gain the trust of Luis Enrique. Bartra wasn’t in Lucho’s plans, either. It seems that both La Masia graduates will have to achieve success elsewhere.
It’s certainly coherent as to why people don’t have confidence in Barça’s youth anymore. We haven’t seen any graduate break into Barcelona’s starting XI and become a regular starter since Jordi Alba in 2012.
Well, we’re now in the 2016/2017 season, and the drought has ended. Enter Sergi Roberto.
Due to lack of depth, Sergi was handed opportunities mainly in the RB position last season. With an abundance of magnificent performances, he seemed to finally get into Lucho’s good graces. Sergi’s rise to the top was confirmed when a replacement RB for Dani Alves wasn’t signed. He had done enough to be in contention for a first team spot every week.
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His permanent place wasn’t official, yet. There was a battle between him and Aleix Vidal. Overall, Vidal seemed the more natural choice, but Sergi’s performances warranted for his inclusion. Everything was up to Luis Enrique. He had the chance to finally terminate a drought for Barcelona that left so many fans irritated. Lo and behold, our wishes came true. A La Masia graduate was a part of the first XI once again.
Sergi Roberto has given cules a reinvigorated sense of relief. We can rest easy now that one of Barça’s own has broken through the top.
La Masia’s troubles are far from over. It took us 4 years to see a graduate become a regular player. Who knows when we’ll see the next? Sergi Samper will one day (hopefully) be a starter. But Sergio Busquets is still going to be around for the foreseeable future. Munir? It appears as if Paco Alcácer will be the one to replace Luis Suárez. Alen Halilovic looks the most likely option, but he was just sold. Even though he does have a buy-back option. With the likes of Denis Suárez and André Gomes, how likely is he to break through?
However, enough about the future. It’s critical to focus on right now. Sergi Roberto has worked tremendously hard the past few seasons. Without a shadow of a doubt, he deserves his spot. Everybody, it’s time to rejoice because La Masia has come through once again.
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