Who is the new Jordi Alba in the Barcelona youth ranks?
One of the most exciting things about being a Barcelona fan is the La Masia academy and the pathway created for the younger players to be exposed to first-team football. Just this summer, Xavi selected 7 players working their way through the La Masia academy to train and travel with the senior squad, this kind of exposure is absolutely vital for player development.
We detailed those 7 players in an article, but there was one name missing, and it’s a name that some will know now, but all will know in good time.
Niko Takahashi (or 高橋仁胡, Takahashi Niko) grew up idolizing Jordia Alba having been born in Catalonia to a Japanese mother and Argentinian father, a Barcelona fan from the early day, he spurned approaches from Girona and Espanyol to sign for his boyhood club.
"“I remember that one day we went to a restaurant and had dinner with my parents and they told me that those teams had called. I didn’t think twice. It’s just that Barça is the one I’ve followed since I was little .” he said to infobae"
The young Barcelona prodigy wanted by three nations
Because of his heritage, Takahashi Niko is eligible to appear for Spain, Argentina and Japan with all three teams making overtures to him, however, it’s the birthplace of his mother that has so far captured his attention with Takahashi being capped 8 times for the Japanese youth sides.
Although he’s often said that he’d like to play for all three teams to find where he’s most comfortable. He’s spent time in the Spanish setup and the Japanese, but has yet to experience life in the Argentina youth ranks. Messi has always been his favourite player with Jordi his favourite left-back, so it will be interesting to see if the Argentinian and Barcelona legend has any sway.
Being a youth player at Barcelona has its own benefits, but comes with considerable challenges. It has the best equipment, the best facilities and the best support network, but between his football and his schooling, he’s often on the go for 14-15 hours a day.
The strengths of Niko Takahashi (高橋仁胡)
Niko has quickly progressed through the Barcelona ranks and will play this year for Barcelona’s Juvenile A side, a good step up and a chance to show that he’s ready to be promoted to the Barcelona Atlètic under head coach Rafael Márquez.
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As for his game, you can see the influence of Jordi Alba from the moment you switch on a game. His ability on the ball is incredibly advanced for someone his age, his ability to spot passes and the quality of his crosses have amazed his coaches in Japan with the U20’s coach Koichi Togashi remarking “did you see his passing?!?” to a group of assorted reporters.
Takahashi said that he’s the “the type of player who feels comfortable when I have the ball”, and that’s obvious when you pair the quality of the final product with his close control. He’s already had a chance to train with the first-team, and I’d expect to see him given plenty more opportunities going forward.
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