10 most disappointing graduates from Barcelona's La Masia academy in the 21st century

#7 Martín Montoya

Montoya was lauded to replace Dani Alves at Barcelona

He was supposed to be La Masia's answer to Dani Alves. Barcelona had high hopes for Martín Montoya. The pacy Spaniard wasn't particularly dreary during his time with the Blaugrana, as compared to others on the list. However, he failed miserably in front of the insurmountable expectations, the fans had from him.

Montoya was one of the better La Masia players of the 2010s. However, like his batchmates, the Catalonian failed to capitalize on the occasional chances he was spared and was eventually ousted from the club on a permanent basis following two loan spells.

Even though Montoya has carved out a relatively decent career outside Barcelona, he had the potential to achieve so much more. He is currently contracted to mid-table regulars Real Betis.

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#6 Marc Muniesa

Muniesa returned to Catalonia with Girona

Another member of the fabled 2010/11 Barcelona B side, Marc Muniesa spent four years at Camp Nou, jumping between the B team and the senior side for the first three seasons. As fate would have it, Muniesa faced a horror knee injury in his first game as a senior squad member, painting an accurate picture of what was to come.

He failed to make a substantial mark after his recovery and was subsequently dumped at the door of Stoke City in 2013. Although Muniesa was a regular starter under Mark Hughes, his constant injury struggles meant the Catalan was booted out of the Bet365 Stadium as well.

Following a brief spell with Girona, Muniesa joined Qatari outfit Al-Arabi, where he remains till date.

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#5 Keita Baldé Diao

Balde was ousted from Barcelona due to disciplinary issues

An unusual inclusion for some, Keita Baldé Diao was contracted to Barcelona for a total of seven years between 2004-2011. But unlike others on the list, this La Masia graduate was released before he could make his first-team debut.

Balde was destined for greatness, on course to become the complete forward. His tendency to cut inside, coupled with his clinical finishing, attracted a hoard of suitors during his time at Lazio. 53 goal contributions in under 140 matches for the young prodigy only furthered his case. Monaco came calling in 2017, paying €30m for his services.

However, his persistent injury record and a severe lack of stability prevented the Senegalese forward from reaching his true potential. Touted to flourish at Barcelona, the 26-year-old spent last season on loan with Sampdoria.

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#4 Sandro Ramírez

Sandro failed abysmally to reach his true potential

Having experienced a decent run of form for the B team, Sandro Ramírez was drafted into the first squad in 2014. To everyone's amazement, it only took the Spanish striker 12 minutes, to score his first senior goal. Going a step further, the brawny center-forward ended the season with at least one goal in each competition and a hat-trick to his name. Nevertheless, he was released by Barcelona, who only viewed him as a squad player.

After a fiery season with Malaga, Sandro was snapped up by Everton, where he was supposed to capture his true form. However, even at €6m, the transfer turned out to be a huge disaster. Sandro crashed miserably at Goodison Park, failing to deliver at a bigger stage. Adding salt to his wounds, the Toffees decided to cut the losses, rather than put their trust into the youngster.

Now at 26, the once Barcelona prospect has gotten relegated with Huesca.