Puig could get more playing time as Setién changes midfield priorities

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The Chosen One

Riqui Puig has failed to make an appearance for FC Barcelona this season, but things could be changing quite a lot soon with the signing of Quique Setién as coach. Ernesto Valverde did not use Puig at all this season, opting for more experienced options. But Setién has pledged a recommitment to youth, and Puig fits the mold of what a prototypical Setién midfielder looks like.

Puig was not called up by Barcelona B this weekend. Instead, he’s been training for the first team as Frenkie de Jong is suspended and Arthur is coming back from injury. Setién has shown a liking towards Barcelona’s midfield prodigy, who excels in the type of short passing so important to Setién’s system.

Reports say that Puig may get his first minutes with the first team of the season this weekend, with only Ivan Rakitić, Sergi Roberto, Sergio Busquets, and Arturo Vidal fully available in midfield after the exit of Carles Aleñá on loan.

What remains to be seen is whether Setién will keep Puig around for the future when De Jong and Arthur return to the fold. Experts have tipped Puig to become the next big thing to come out of La Masia, but the 20-year-old has not been able thus far to break through from Barcelona B and into the first team.

Source: barcablaugranes.com