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9 Barcelona B players named in Champions League squad

By Chiranjib Ghosh

NYON, SWITZERLAND - APRIL 23: Abel Ruiz of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team`s third goal during the UEFA Youth League Final match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Colovray Sports Centre on April 23, 2018 in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
NYON, SWITZERLAND - APRIL 23: Abel Ruiz of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team`s third goal during the UEFA Youth League Final match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Colovray Sports Centre on April 23, 2018 in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona have named 9 B team players in the Champions League squad

Apart from the 23-man squad registered for the La Liga this season, Ernesto Valverde has named 9 players from Barcelona B in his squad for the group-stages of the Champions League this season, which is a record.

In the goalkeeping department, Valverde has called up Jokin Ezkieta and Ignacio Peña, none of whom are expected to make their Champions League debut this season, behind experienced internationals Marc-André ter Stegen and Jasper Cillessen in the pecking order.

In defence, Jorge Cuenca has been called up, but mostly to train with the first-team players in the buildup to the Champions League games. But Jordi Alba’s understudy Juan Miranda could be in line to make his first Champions League appearance against PSV Eindhoven.

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Many midfielders from the B team have been called up to the first-team squad for the Champions League. After impressing against top European clubs in pre-season, Riqui Puig could easily make his European debut.

Alex Collado, Monchu and Oriol Busquets have also been rewarded for their good performances last season. But like Jorge Cuenca, they will mostly train with the members of the senior squad, with Oriol Busquets having an outside chance of appearing in a game.

The hero of Barcelona’s successful campaign in the UEFA Youth League, Abel Ruiz, has also been called up, and could make an appearance off the bench. But that would depend on his form in his first full season with the B team.

A surprise exclusion is Moussa Wagué, who was recently included in the 60-man shortlist for the Golden Boy award, along with Carles Aleñá. After his brilliant showing in the Youth League last season, Carles Pérez may also have deserved a spot.

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But regardless, this will be good experience for the 9 players who have been called up from Barcelona, especially for those who would get to play in the Champions League at such an early point in their careers, like Riqui Puig and Juan Miranda.

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