Barca’s future first team must come from La Masia, says director

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The club’s director of youth football has had his say

Barcelona’s youth football director Xavi Vilajoana has been talking about the club’s future and wants La Masia to play a leading role.

Vilajoana wants to see more homegrown players making the breakthrough into the starting XI at the Camp Nou and says the club still have a lot of faith in the academy.

“We, at least on my part, have an obsession to improve our players and make them grow here,” he said.

“The incorporations that can be considered are very specific, who can improve what we have here at home, but for us it is key to work with the people from the academy.

“Personally, and on the Board’s part, we believe in [the academy] a lot. Barcelona’s future first team must come from La Masia.”

La Masia is renowned for produced some top talent but has come under scrutiny in recent years with youngsters struggling to make the breakthrough at Barca.

Youngsters Carles Perez and Abel Ruiz both left the club in the winter, while Carles Alena moved on loan in search of game time. Ansu Fati has made a spectacular impact this season, although Riqui Puig has only managed two substitute appearances in La Liga.

Source: barcablaugranes.com