 |
| Play poker at 888poker! |
Thursday saw the opening of the new ‘La Masia’; that is Barcelona’s freshly constructed youth training facility which promises to bring forth the next generation of Catalan prodigies from the conveyor belt.
The new La Masia was opened to a fun filled atmosphere which featured a special appearance from Andres Iniesta – one of Barcelona’s most noticeable talent from the youth academy set-up.
“It’s an emotional day. Important,” the pasty-faced midfielder told the official Barcelona website.
“There’s a real change between the old and new Masia, you can see how things have changed and I’m thrilled to be a part of the first team and to be here for the opening.
“Right now, and for some time, la Masia has been recognised throughout the world. The secret is doing things in the right way from the very start and they try to improve you as a player and as a person too,” he added.
Coach Pep Guardiola was also present as was club President Sandro Rosell with the pair looking particularly delighted as they seek to secure the future of one of world football’s greatest ever clubs.
For those who are unsure as to why the opening of the new La Masia harbours such significance, In The Stands showcases some of the few talents to have emerged from the old academy including where and how it has worked.
Feast your eyes on the following;
Cesc Fabregas is another Barca star to have emerged from La Masia before moving to Arsenal in 2003 and then heading back home to Catalunya eight years later.
In Pep Guardiola’s first season as coach at the Camp Nou, the Barca legend formulated a team in which the spine was built entirely of players who had emerged from the youth team as shown above. Lionel Messi is not included.
Barcelona’s velcro-footed, all-seeing, pinpoint passing midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez is another legend to have emerged from La Masia.
Here he is pictured in his youth days with a grin which bores all the hallmarks of somebody who knows they will, one day, be a future Blaugrana star.
In 2010, La Masia became the first youth academy to have trained all three finalists for the Ballon d’Or in one same year, with Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernández coming 3rd, 1st and 2nd respectively.
Pictured here is the Barcelona starting XI in the 2011 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United. Count how many of them started life as a little Cule.
Now who is that? Answers on a postcard please!
Related posts:
