Kluivert wants homegrown players in Barcelona first team

Photo by Visionhaus

The Dutchman says it’s ‘essential’ for the club

Patrick Kluivert has been talking about his job at Barcelona and says it is “essential” for the first team to have homegrown young players.

The Dutch star was appointed as Barcelona’s director of youth football in July and has given an interview to the club’s website where he says the job is going “really well.”

He talked about Ansu Fati and Carles Perez making the breakthrough to the first team this season and stressed the importance of young players coming through the ranks.

“It’s really important for players like that to come through. If a player can demonstrate his quality, as in the case of Ansu and Carles Pérez, no matter how young they are, it’s good for them to have minutes with the first team and that they can show their worth.

“Ansu is a lad who sees things as they are and has his feet on the ground. I have spoken a lot with him and he is only too aware of his situation. Our job is to make sure he does not stray from the path and that he is clear about his role at all times. Ansu is a player who know what he wants and what he can do and he will get used to playing more games with the first team.

“It’s essential for the first team to have home grown young players. Myself and those responsible for youth football have to search for the diamonds and work with them. We have to give everyone the same chance to be a success.”

Source | FC Barcelona

One homegrown young player most fans are keen to see break through into the first team is midfielder Riqui Puig. The 20-year-old is yet to feature for the senior side this season but there is hope he could be promoted to the squad in January if Ivan Rakitic departs.

Source: barcablaugranes.com