Everything Barca
Fansided

6 breakthrough stars from Barcelona’s La Masia for 2020

By Nishant Narayanan

Riqui Puig of FC Barcelona B (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Riqui Puig of FC Barcelona B (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

#4 Moussa Wagué (Right-Back)

Barca are still struggling to replace the player who has won the most trophies in world football at 41 trophies, Dani Alves. The Catalan giants have used many full-backs ever since, with Aleix Vidal becoming the first player destined to succeed back in 2015. The Spaniard is currently under contract with 15th place, Deportivo Alavés, after failing to be the solution for Barcelona. Currently, the squad is on a rotational basis between Portuguese international, Nelson Semedo, and Spaniard, Sergi Roberto, with the latter currently as a favourite to acquire the role on a more regular basis as Semedo was tipped to be on the verge of an exit under former manager, Ernesto Valverde.

With the appointment of a new coach who is interested in giving youngsters them a shot at first-team glory. It would be no surprise to see the 21-year-old Senegal right-back, to be featured for some of the club’s endeavors in order to find a permanent solution for the right-back issue that currently troubles the club. Having said that, many names like Joshua Kimmich and Hector Bellerin are linked with the Catalan giants, which could prove to be a problem for the teenager’s future at the club.

#3 Riqui Puig (Central Midfielder)

20-year-old Riqui Puig is favorite to be featured in Barcelona’s next fixture against Granada as both Frenkie de Jong and Arthur Melo are unavailable to play, with the former receiving a red card against Espanyol and the latter still struggling with injury. Puig has been a member of the reputed Barca academy for over 7 years. He made his first-team debut in 2019 Copa del Rey fixture against Cultura Leonesa, where he assisted one of the 4 goals scored that day.

Riqui is regarded by many to be the future for Barcelona’s midfield in the coming years alongside  De Jong and Arthur, with many fans desperate to see the youngster have more regular appearances with the senior squad. With Setien keen on using youngsters to achieve greatness, it should be no surprise to see Puig as one of the top names on that list.