Barcelona's youth approach a lesson to the big-spending English
Why PSR calculations need to take in commitment to youth more
Of the 11 starters and five subs Barcelona utilised in their destruction of Newcastle United at the Nou Camp last night, eight spent all or part of their teenage years being nurtured by the club. A range of reasons exist for two thirds of the Premier League sides going out of the Champions League this week, including style, workload, no rest in the English season etc, but it cannot be overlooked that, focusing on Barcelona, there was a togetherness and identity to those dismantling Newcastle.
Barcelona’s financial problems have been widely highlighted in recent years, encouraging even more the promotion of academy players. But this is more than financial necessity and common-sense. Those stepping up know what is demanded of a Barcelona player tactically and temperamentally. Lamine Yamal and Pedri can take the ball under pressure because they have the technique and confidence. They can live with expectation. And Lewis Hall did well against Yamal.
Yamal was born two miles from Camp Nou in Esplugues de Lobregat, raised in Rocafona 26 miles away, moved to La Masia at seven, made his debut at 15 and has played 145 games and 46 scored goals. He’s 18, an entertainer who delivers assists, goals and wins. He’s a superstar. Is there any player as exciting as Yamal in the Premier League?
Marc Bernal is also 18. The midfielder, who scored his first Champions League goal against Newcastle, has been at Barcelona since he was six. Pau Cubarsi, the 19-year-old centre-back raised speaking Catalan, moved to Barcelona from Girona at 11. The Barcelona-born 18-year-old defender, Xavi Espart, came on for only his third appearance. Fermin Lopez moved from Real Betis at 13 to Barcelona’s youth academy. Whatever age they are brought in, these prospects are nurtured the Barcelona way.