Barcelona has one of the largest – if not the largest – academies in the world.
La Masia has produced such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi and of course Lionel Messi. And although it has not produced players of the same quality for some time, the youth line-up in Barcelona has undeniably been neglected by the club in recent years.
La Bluagrana have often chosen to splash money on players who never manage to recreate their former form, stamp their brand or cement themselves in the hearts of Barcelona fans. Paulinho, Arturo Vidal and Arda Turan, for example, will all be – or have already become – forgotten men at Camp Nou.
There is a lesson to be learned here, and although many may have taken it a while ago, the club has been determined to make one of these transfers work.
Arturo Vidal left Barcelona at the start of the season for David Ramos / Getty Images
But can it change?
Last summer, a fee of around 60 million euros was agreed for Miralem Pjanic, who since his arrival has not been able to earn a first team place from Sergio Busquets or Pedri (which is not a La Masia product but 18 years is very much an investment for the future) .
And while Georginio Wijnaldum has been linked with a move to Camp Nou ever since Ronald Koeman took the lead, it has recently been reported that the club could instead market 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba.
Of course, this may have little to do with Barcelona’s really scary financial situation, but it’s also a big step in La Masia to support the first team again.
Koeman has already shown his confidence in young players. Pedri and Oscar Mingueza are now established entrees for La Blaugrana, while Riqui Puig continues to shine when given the opportunity – even if they are sporadic. Moriba has also shown that he can mix it with the best.
Ilaix Moriba is very athletic Juan Manuel Serrano Arce / Getty Images
The 18-year-old differs from a typical La Masia product. He has previously drawn comparisons with Paul Pogba for his strong, combative but skilled playing style. His powerful and athletic build has made it possible for him to stand out during his development through the club’s youth program.
He is also a versatile option that can be crucial to his boss. While the likes of Pedri and Puig offer creative, forward-looking options in the middle of the field, the question of Busquet’s long-term replacement is something that has gone unnoticed for some time. The 32-year-old is enjoying a good season, but will need to be backed up by a solid alternative rather than later, especially while Koeman continues to play two in midfield.
Moriba has the ability to play in any central midfield role. He has the strength and defensive awareness to fill a deep space, the energy, the pace and the power to play as a boxing midfielder and the vision and creative sound to play as number ten. While creativity is certainly not lacking on this Barcelona site, an energetic, defensive solution to work with the site’s feel can be an integral part of the future of Koeman’s Barcelona.
Oh my word … brilliant from Ilaix Moriba! ?
What way for the 18-year-old to get his first goal for Barcelona? pic.twitter.com/S6t4JyilwE
– Watch ElClásico live on Premier Sports? (@PremierSportsTV) March 6, 2021
The future can be exciting now. Moriba has already played nine times for La Blaugrana this season and played six in La Liga. In these six, the Spaniard has contributed with three assists and even got his first senior goal in style during a 2-0 victory against Osasuna. Not bad, not bad at all.
Wijnaldum, a regular in Liverpool, is obviously more experienced and established. The Dutchman may provide an abundance of quality to the midfield, but is it worth the risk to see if it lasts? Barcelona’s transfer policy in recent years should answer that question.
Moriba represents a much more financially profitable, long-term alternative for the club. He has proven his quality, not only in La Blaugrana’s youth team, but on the senior stage with his youngsters – whom Koeman has thoroughly trusted. He can undoubtedly be part of Barcelona’s next generation – who visibly plays with enthusiasm, determination and passion for the club – and is exactly the type of player that Barça’s fans can come up with.
