Barcelona teenage star Carles Alena has yet to make a name for himself with the Catalan club. When will the wonder-kid find a spot with the first team?
Barcelona are known for bringing in their home-grown players from La Masia into the first-team. The Blaugrana have had much success, doing so with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, etc. One prospect for their future is Barcelona B captain Carles Alena.
Carles Alena has been a Barcelona player since he was only seven years old and through the years with the Blaugrana club, he has grown into a smart and versatile player that would fit perfectly with the first team. His exceptional skills, creative vision and intelligence with and without the ball make him one of Barcelona’s most promising players.
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Although the attacking midfielder has shown great talent and uniqueness on the pitch with Barcelona B, making 29 appearances and three goals in his 2016/2017 campaign, he has yet to find a permanent spot alongside Messi and co. The youngster made his debut with the first team in Barca’s pre-season game against Hercules and scored Barca’s only goal. He also participated in three La Liga matches that season but nothing changed for the player, as he returned back to his B side.
There have been reports regarding the club showing interest in signing Manchester United striker Anthony Martial and Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic. Both of them are young and upcoming talents. In addition to having that talent, they’ve had great playing experience and exposure in Europe.
But why should the Catalan side go after foreign players, when they have a home-grown player up their sleeves that is young and skillful? In addition to that, why wouldn’t they take someone who understands the Barcelona philosophy and is prepared to play with the first team?
The Barcelona teenage star is performing outstanding in the opening stages of this season. Now, he needs to impress new coach Ernesto Valverde in order to get himself in the first team squad consistently.
Overall, Alena is enjoying an excellent start this season with Barca B, as the 19-year-old has already bagged three goals in only eight appearances. In addition to his scoring, his ability on the ball is becoming more and more impressive. Many people are claiming that he is the heir to Andres Iniesta.
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Over the summer, the wonderkid penned a contract extension with the Catalan club which included a €75 million clause if he moves up to the first team. Can the Barcelona teenager find his way to the top alongside Messi and Iniesta? Only time will tell.