3 reasons why Quique Setien is the perfect fit for Barcelona | La Liga 2019-20

#2 La Masia's resurrection

Riqui Puig has what it takes, and Setien may well give him his opportunities.

Why is Barcelona a uniquely successful club?

A seemingly endless list of factors and variables, ranging from fiery rivalries to economic stability, have played a role in Barcelona's stunning list of accolades over the past few decades. Silverware is not what sets the Blaugrana apart; big clubs should be used to winning.

La Masia is the club's crown jewel, as it has always put them on a pedestal. Much of Barcelona's success rides on the efficiency of its personalized youth product supply chain. La Masia's success peaked when the likes of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova - former La Masia graduates themselves - tapped into the youth academy's reserves and formed a team of world-beaters. Many of La Masia's students are household names across the world today.

However, post the Pep-Tito era, La Masia's fortunes have dipped, and that Barcelona's teams have not met expectations is no coincidence. In the past 5 years, Sergi Roberto is the only academy graduate to have established a place in the first team. Several talented youth products have had to leave the club in search of better prospects.

There is plenty of debate regarding La Masia's ability to meet its own lofty standards, but Barcelona's management also has to shoulder the blame to a certain extent. Sergio Busquets and Pedro Rodriguez were relative unknowns before Pep Guardiola placed faith in them and threw them into the deep end of the pool. Quique Setien's nature and history suggest that he is of a similar inclination.

La Masia often discovers exceptional talent in its ranks, and Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig are currently pushing for a place in the starting eleven. Establishing yourself as a starter is a Herculean task at Barcelona and while patience would serve the youngsters well, the pre-season made it abundantly evident that Riqui Puig can easily hold his own against the best of midfielders. Ansu Fati already has goals to his name in both La Liga and Champions League.

Setien's time at Real Betis saw players like Fabian Ruiz, Cristian Tello, and Marc Bartra transform into their most effective selves. The Spaniard's tactical nous and managerial ability make him an ideal mentor, particularly at a club like Barcelona. Carles Alena, who recently left Barcelona to play for Real Betis on loan, may also be convinced to return to the Blaugrana.

Most of Barcelona's kids seem to have the potential to touch the sky. Quique Setien could potentially provide the best possible trampoline.