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It's just five months into the new season but the 2021-22 campaign is already looking like one to forget for FC Barcelona. Blaugrana have already been eliminated from the Champions League in the group stages. They are also a staggering 18 points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid, who are top of the La Liga table.
While the second half of 2021 saw disastrous on-field displays, the first half of the year was marred by off-field controversies for the Calatan club. After the arrest of former club president Josep Bartomeu, things went from bad to worse as the talismanic Lionel Messi departed Barcelona in the summer.
Are Barcelona finally back on the right track?
However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel for Barcelona. Although the ongoing season is probably beyond salvageable, there is optimism that new manager and club legend Xavi can turn things around for the Spanish giants.
The early signs are already encouraging. Barcelona's La Masia academy, whose output has come under the scanner in recent years, seems to be producing elite talent once again. The club also appear to be going back to their roots. They are adopting the philosophy that made them one of the world's most successful teams a decade ago, i.e., focusing on the youth.
Across Europe's top five leagues, no club has given more gametime to players under the age of 21 than Barcelona (4975 mins). Despite the club's current struggles, there is a high chance that fans could see the resurgence of Barcelona in a few years' time.
Here are five players who could spearhead Blaugrana's attempt to return to the pinnacle of European football.
#5 Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia narrowly edges out 22-year-old Ronald Araujo on our list. The Spanish centre-back is two years younger than the Uruguay defender and has more room for improvement.
Garcia came up through the ranks at La Masia before joining Manchester City's U18 side in 2018. He rejoined Barcelona ahead of the 2021-22 season on a free transfer. Garcia is enduring a difficult return to the Catalan club, whose defense is disjointed and vulnerable.
With 35 Manchester City appearances to go with the 17 games he has played for Barcelona this season, the 20-year-old's development is coming along nicely. With Samuel Umtiti on his way out of the club and Gerard Pique in steep decline, Garcia will soon have greater responsibility on his young shoulders.
#4 Riqui Puig
With Sergino Dest and Frenkie de Jong's Barcelona futures uncertain, Riqui Puig makes our list at number four. Into his third season with the Blaugrana first-team, the 22-year-old midfielder is closing in on 50 appearances for the club. However, there has been some speculation about Puig's status at Barcelona as well.
Despite his neat touches and calm passing, Puig is still far from the finished product. He struggled for game-time under former coach Ronald Koeman and was linked with a move away from the club. However, with Phillippe Coutinho likely to be sold and captain Sergio Busquets in the twilight of his career, Puig is already under pressure to deliver.
New manager Xavi will expect the midfielder to improve his off-ball play and develop a bigger threat going forward as the season progresses.
#3 Gavi
One Barcelona player who isn't going anywhere is Gavi. At just 17-years-old, the midfielder has already made four appearances for the Spanish national team and has played 23 games for Blaugrana. With a goal and three assists to his name, the young prodigy has caught the eye in his breakout season at the club.
Gavi's game is already remarkably developed for his age and he displays composure and maturity far beyond his years. His ability to pass between the lines and clever feet in tight spaces has caught the eye of fans and pundits alike. It has been an extremely bright start for the midfielder, who has barely begun to scratch the surface of his abilities.
#2 Ansu Fati
Barcelona manager Xavi's perfect Christmas present would be a completely fit and firing Ansu Fati. The 19-year-old forward is arguably the most talented U21 player in the world. He already has an excellent record of 17 goals and six assists in 51 Barcelona appearances.
Blessed with pace, quick feet and lethal finishing, Fati is a special talent. However, his injury history is already a massive source of concern. He suffered a serious knee injury in late 2020 which kept him out for 10 months. Shortly after returning to full fitness, he picked up another injury in early November this year and has missed nearly six weeks since.
The teenager inherited Lionel Messi's legendary #10 Barcelona jersey after the latter left this summer.
Fati has already displayed his prodigious talent by scoring in the El Clasico. If Barcelona can keep him fit, the sky is the limit for Ansu Fati.
#1 Pedri
Since making his official debut for Barcelona in September last year, Pedri has enjoyed an incredible year. The 2021 Golden Boy winner is already one of the most important members of the Blaugrana squad. If that wasn't enough, he already has 10 Spain caps and started every game during the team's run to the Euro 2020 semifinals.
With four goals and six assists in 56 appearances for Barcelona, Pedri impressed with his playmaking and composure on the ball. His stamina and durability also caught the eye. In fact, Pedri played more matches than anybody else in 2021. He made 73 appearances for Barcelona and Spain despite being just 18-years-old.
Unfortunately, the heavy workload took a toll as Pedri suffered a thigh injury in September earlier this year. The midfielder, who recently turned 19, then had a relapse which ruled him out till 2022.
There is no doubt that Pedri is a generational talent. But Barcelona and Spain need to exercise caution against overworking their golden boy.
Poll : Can Barcelona qualify for next season's Champions League?
Yes
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