Goal-scoring Defensive Midfielder, Ambidextrous Center-Back, and Another La Masia Talent to Watch This Season

Marc Guiu’s goal against Bilbao once again proved Xavi has a good eye for young talents and is never afraid to give them a baptism by fire in La Liga games.

Of course, when you have such an academy as La Masia at your disposal, there’s a host of starlets you can use as a manager. Here are three more names that are definitely on Xavi’s radar already and whom he might play this season.

Pol Bernal: The 16-year-old pivot renewed his deal with Barcelona in the summer despite having offers from other clubs.

Bernal is 1.85m tall, his key features are physical strength that makes him barely stoppable, and finishing ability. The left-footed defensive midfielder has scored two goals and provided one assist in 7 games with Barcelona Atletic this season.

Hector Hernandez: The 17-year-old right-back is very strong when it comes to tackling, passing, and ball control. He is also versatile enough to play at CB if needed. Hector feels comfortable in 1-v-1 duels and is basically a modern type of a full-back who is equally good in defending and in the build-up.

What he might be lacking is crossing accuracy, but this is definitely what Xavi and his team can fix.

Aleix Cubarsi: The 16-year-old ambidexter can play a left or right center-back in a four-man backline. He may not be the fastest guy on the pitch, but his game-reading qualities make up for it. Great positioning and interception skills make him tough to beat.

Besides, he is known for his great passing accuracy at all distances. Cubarsi can provide line-breaking passes to wings or through the center, which is vital against pressing teams.