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Often recognised as the outstanding cradle for youth development, Barcelona's La Masia has produced countless world class players over the years.
They boast an extensive resume comprising of players like Leo Messi, Gerard Pique, Pep Guardiola, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro and almost 100 other world class players currently dominating in leagues all around the globe.
Time and again, La Masia has proven its worth by delivering incredible players whenever the first team comes calling.
After being on the sidelines for a couple of years, it seems like the once fabled academy could be again called upon by Ernesto Valverde to deliver a list of players for the future of the club.
Some of the biggest names on that list would be those of the Barça players who recently won the UEFA Youth League 2017-18, after defeating Chelsea in the final.
A lot of La Masia graduates have made it big at their home club, while a greater number have been shipped off to other clubs. Maybe now is the time for the kids to shine where they truly belong. Let's look at some talented starlets who can be world beaters in the future.
#1 - Abel Ruiz
The Barcelona forward scored 6 goals in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in India last year, finishing as the joint second top scorer, and winning the bronze boot.
Scoring in all of Spain's knockout matches except the final, four of his six goals were scored in the knockout stages of the competition. He also hammered the last nail in the coffin during the final of the UEFA Youth League against Chelsea at Colovray Stadium in Nyon, Switzerland.
Picked up from the Valencia youth team at the tender age of 12, Ruiz still has a bit of his former club in him. A direct player and a deadly finisher, Ruiz stands at nearly 6 feet tall - this is where he gets his physicality from.
A lethal striker, Abel Ruiz is one of those less technical players who come out of the Barcelona academy.
Instead of technique, Ruiz's forte lies in his predatory instinct and hunger for goals. Sharing a resemblance to a certain Luis Suarez, Ruiz can prove to be that 'different' player Barcelona is looking for.
#2 - Monchu Rodríguez
Barcelona has been in the market for quite a while now in search of a replacement for the legendary Xavi Hernandez. Brand it as an obsession or something they can't get over, the board are dying to get another controller in their ranks.
After securing the transfer of Arthur Melo, they are quite relieved that the controller has arrived. But they must tackle another problem quickly.
Andres Iniesta has recently left the club, and Sergio Busquets isn't getting any younger. So where would you find a player who is as strong in the defensive departmant as Busquets and as creative as Iniesta?
Well, a thorough search of the market could land them such a talent, but why look outside when you have one of the biggest unearthed gems within your youth setup?
The 18 year old Ramón Rodríguez who has been recently promoted to Barcelona B under his Youth League winning manager Garcia Pimienta is one of the hottest properties in Barcelona right now.
A natural playmaker, Monchu has the rare ability of either playing as a deep-lying playmaker or doubling up as a defensive midfielder. To add to his list of qualities, the Spaniard has an eye for goal and can really score some when needed. Telepathic connection with the pitch, great shooting skills or providing assists, you name it, Monchu delivers.
#3 - Arthur Melo
Joining a long list of Brazilians to play at the Camp Nou, Arthur's transfer wasn't anything short of dramatic. After a photo of him wearing the Blaugrana colours was leaked, rumours begin to mount that the Brazilian could be a part of Ernesto Valverde's project.
After initial rejection by both parties, Gremio and Barcelona confirmed that Arthur would move to the capital of Catalonia in the the winter window of 2018-2019, but Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barça's president was forced to push the deal in the summer window due to the departure of club legend and Arthur's childhood idol - Andres Iniesta.
When the legendary midfielder announced his decision to leave his boyhood club after the end of the 2017-18 season, the initial response from the fans and the management was emotional, but they later realised the void Iniesta would leave behind; not only in terms of his legacy, but also his sporting importance in the game plan of the club.
Sharing a similar physical stature and passing ability with his idol, Arthur is a versatile midfielder who can do well on both sides of the midfield and even orchestrate the play by playing as a defensive midfielder, or acting as a pivot.
Due to his unique play style and abilities, Arthur was named as the best young player of the Brazilian first division, and was also included in the team of the season. He also finished third in the race to win the South American Player of the Year award.
#4 - Ricard Puig
A creative midfielder who has great vision, Riqui Puig broke out on the grand stage after that Youth League success like all other players in that title winning squad. But instead of that regular limelight that you expect from a single trophy, Puig received unmatched attention from the media and fans after that tournament.
After receiving tons of traction in the transfer market, Puig was reportedly close to joining Spurs, but his manager Garcia Pimienta prevented another La Masia gem from leaving the too club early.
Now linked with Barcelona on a deal with a release-clause of around a 100 million euros, Puig would be a part of the pre-season squad for Barcelona's tour of the US. He has also been promoted to the Barcelona B for the 2018-19 season, a pretty good deal for an 18 year old.
It has to be seen how Puig influences on the big stage, but if it is anything like what he did at the youth level, Barcelona have a superstar on their hands!
