Xavi calls up 18-year-old Barcelona prospect to first-team training as reward for performances with youth team

Throughout Xavi’s tenure as manager of FC Barcelona, there have been plenty of opportunities for young talents coming through the youth ranks at La Masia.

Some have gone on to establish themselves in the first-team setup already like Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and more recently Pau Cubarsi.

Others like Unai Hernandez, Marc Casado, Mikayil Faye, and Pau Victor have become regulars in training with the senior squad.

Every now and then there is a fresh face from the youth ranks that gets an opportunity and exposure of training with the senior setup, like Quim Junyent and Brian Farinas last week.

Sergi Dominguez gets called up to train

Ahead of tomorrow’s game against Celta Vigo, Xavi called up another fresh face to train with the senior team today in the form of Sergi Dominguez, reports SPORT.

The 18-year-old centre-back was present in training with the first-team squad both on Thursday and Friday (today), with Xavi rewarding the youngster for his impressive performances at the youth level.

Dominguez had been doing well for Barcelona’s Juvenil A side both in the Honor Division and the UEFA Youth League over the past year, which has earned him a bump to Barça Atletic recently.

Dominguez has featured 12 times for Rafa Marquez’s side this term and has seemingly managed to catch Xavi’s eye, who has called the young defender up to train with the senior squad.

Known for his aerial strength and ball distribution, the 18-year-old has a high ceiling. While he did not make the final squad list for the Celta Vigo game, fans will likely get to see more of the teenager in the near future.