Ander Astralaga
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 19
Joined Barcelona: 2018
Senior Caps: 0
Ander has only made a handful of appearances for Barca Atlètic conceding 5 goals in 4 games while keeping one clean sheet.
Having joined the Barcelona set-up at the age of 14, Ander has quickly progressed up the ranks. His lack of game time with the B side has more to do with the fact Rafael Márquez has the likes of Iñaki Peña and Arnau Tenas.
Is Ander being groomed to take over from the current Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen? Perhaps, but goalkeepers often play into their mid-to-late thirties, and ter Stegen is only 31.
He’s largely played with Barcelona’s Juvenil A team, but his performances convinced Xavi to register him for his Europa League squad last season.
Renowned as a strong aerial presence who commands the box and distributes the ball well with his feet, Astralaga has all the ability in the world to play on the biggest stage.
His career arc is going to be interesting to watch, especially if Barcelona bring back Arnau Tenas, which has been reported recently in the Spanish press. A loan spell away from the club may be the best thing for Ander’s development.