3 La Masia players who impressed the most for Barcelona during pre-season

#1 Riqui Puig

Riqui Puig was the most impressive La Masia player during pre-season

Of all the La Masia players who were tried during Barcelona's pre-season tour, none impressed as much as youngster Riqui Puig.

The 19-year-old (he turns 20 in a day) started in the first four of Barcelona's five pre-season fixtures. He played in his preferred midfield role in three of those, while being deployed as a second striker in the game against Vissel Kobe.

Despite playing alongside established stalwarts in the middle like Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets, Puig was largely unfazed. He went about his business in a professional manner that belied his young age.

Having been blooded in La Masia over the last six years, it comes as no surprise that the Matadepara native is blessed with composure on the ball. His pass distribution, though not quite the finished material, has the potential to rival those of the legendary Barcelona midfielders.

Puig was instrumental in Barcelona's 2-1 first leg victory over Napoli in the LaLiga-Serie A Cup, laying on the assist for midfield partner Busquets to open the scoring.

He saw his 'dream come true' last season when he starred for the senior side in their 4-1 home victory over Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey. He made his LaLiga bow in the 0-0 draw with Huesca in April 2019.

On the evidence of the faith placed in him by Valverde during pre-season, Puig could be set to break into the senior team in the coming campaign.