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Barcelona's dire economic situation is well documented. The latest reports reveal that the Catalans might need to sell around 10 players in order to re-sign Messi and register the players they have already signed.
The entire situation looks terrible, and it's safe to say that the Catalan club is in huge debt. However, this situation might mean that Barcelona is forced to rely on its academy once again.
Although there has been an upturn in La Masia graduates turning out for the first team in the last 1-2 seasons, this has come after a period of almost a decade where Barcelona neglected their famous academy.
Now, as the club seems to be in trouble, it would be the right decision to return to its roots. Here are five La Masia talents who can be expected to make their first-team debuts over the next season or two.
It is essential to remember that although these players are very talented, they are still young and raw. As is always the case, performances and careers don't always move in a consistent trajectory.
Note: Players like Mingueza, Moriba, Puig, and Fati, who have played a significant amount for the first team already, haven't been included.
Honorable mention - Jandro Orellana
Truth be told, Jandro Orellana is not here as an honorable mention because of his talent or anything on the field. It's only because his contract at Barcelona is up, and while the club is trying to renew it, he might play elsewhere next season.
A positional pivot, Orellana is most like Sergio Busquets in terms of profile and relies more on his intelligence than any physical attribute on the pitch.
Like Busquets, he can control games and is also good at taking set-pieces.
#5 Gavi
Pablo Paez Gaviria, better known as Gavi, is just 16. Yet La Masia experts call him the best midfielder to emerge from the academy since a certain Thiago Alcantara about 10 years ago.
Gavi perfectly fits the prototype of a typical Barcelona midfielder. He's short and hence has a low center of gravity, and his passing and reading of the game is extraordinary.
Although mainly a creative midfielder, more often than not, Gavi has shown he can play deeper as well.
Gavi has played for Barcelona's Juvenil A or U-19 side this season and has one start for Barcelona B under his belt. Don't be surprised to see him make his big debut within the next couple of years.
#4 Alejandro Balde
Barcelona has the unenviable task of replacing many of their senior first-team players, but in Balde, they already have a successor to Jordi Alba.
The 17-year-old left-back is ridiculously fast and exceptional at 1v1s, both offensively and defensively. He's also very dominant at duels which is a great quality to have at such a tender age.
Balde is a wonderful talent, and there is no doubt if he can fulfill his potential, he can be one of the best fullbacks in the world in the future. There are already calls to have him promoted to the first team, and it looks like he'll be doing pre-season with Messi and co. shortly.
While the talent is obvious, he's still quite raw and must improve on things like his decision-making and positioning. Right now, accession to the first team might be too soon, and a season or two of honing his skills with Barcelona B wouldn't hurt.
#3 Inaki Peña
Inaki Peña might well be making his debut come Barcelona's first La Liga game of the season against Real Sociedad.
With Ter Stegen out injured and Neto seemingly on his way out, Peña will get a much-deserved chance between the sticks next season.
He has been training with the first team for a while now, and it has resulted in a clear improvement in his performances. He was also part of Spain's U-21 Euros team this year despite having no first-team experience.
Good with his feet and a fantastic shot-stopper, what sets Peña apart is a quiet confidence in his abilities. In Barcelona B's penalty shootout loss to UCAM Murcia, he saved as many as four penalties.
#2 Nico Gonzalez
Barcelona recently renewed Nico Gonzalez's contract, and he's expected to be at least involved in first-team dynamics next season.
Nico is an excellent technician with a calm head and a penchant for picking the right pass. He also has footwork good enough to evade pressure with ease.
Nico has played right-back with aplomb this season when called upon, but his future undoubtedly lies in the center of midfield. He has also shown his quality in the pivot role this season and impressed Ronald Koeman while playing there.
Hence, one could see him make his Barcelona debut in this position next season.
#1 Alex Collado
Barcelona's financial situation is likely to benefit Collado the most. With Ousmane Dembele injured and Trincao loaned out, he's in line to play at RW.
Add to that the damning possibility that Messi's renewal doesn't go through and the possible sale of Griezmann and Fati still in rehabilitation after his injury, Collado might be looking at serious minutes in the 2021-22 season.
Last season Collado was one of, if not the best player in the Segunda B division.
He is incredibly versatile and can play CM, CAM, RW, and LW. The left-footed number 10 controls the game with his passing and ball-carrying abilities. He likes to take on defenders and is also very good at corners and freekicks.
Collado is easily good enough to play for a top-half La Liga team. He had multiple offers to leave last summer but chose to stay and fight for a first-team spot because he only wanted to play for his boyhood club.
He has certainly done enough to merit a first-team berth now. It will be interesting to see what next season holds for him.
