Xavi backs four La Masia talents to succeed at Barcelona: “The academy is a treasure”

As Barcelona get set to take on Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin in a little while, Xavi Hernandez spoke to the club’s media channel and backed the academy graduates coming through to succeed with the first team.

The lineup for today’s game has seen Xavi hand a first-ever start to 16-year-old Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the defence, three days after he made his senior debut against Unionistas de Salamanca.

16-year-old Lamine Yamal is another starter for Barcelona while other talents like Hector Fort and Marc Guiu are on the substitutes’ bench.

And manager Xavi has tipped them to come good for the senior team, stating that they are ready for this stage.

“Lamine is not a surprise, he is a reality. I see them ready, like Cubarsí, Héctor Fort and Marc Guiu. The academy is a treasure. We are brave to bet on them and we hope it works out well,” said Xavi.

Pau Cubarsi starts his first game (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona)

The Barcelona boss also expressed his joy at being able to start the midfield trio of Pedri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Ilkay Gundogan, saying:

“The midfielders have to give us an identity to the game. It’s important that the three of them are there but also that we are good at pressing high and pressing after losses, that we recover our identity from last season and some games this season.

“There is still time. The second half of the season starts today.”

At the same time, he warned his players of the threat that Real Betis pose, saying: “Betis haven’t lost at home and they won’t be an easy opponent.”

“We have to give the players confidence and let them try. There’s no problem in failing. It’s all about trial and error. We’re lacking in both areas, especially in our own. Betis haven’t lost at home and they won’t be an easy opponent,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo