5 youngsters who were impressive for Barcelona in the pre-season tour

FC Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur - International Champions Cup 2018
Barcelona youngsters played some beautiful football in the States

The International Champions Cup (ICC), played in the United States and Asia is now a benchmark for the big clubs in terms of pre-season.

It provides a stage for the managers of the big clubs to test out the vast number of men they have in reserve. While most of the clubs use the word 'reserve' in regards to their second teams, but Barcelona, known for their youth teams and academy, regard these big players with the utmost respect.

Through the years, young players coming out the La Masia academy have been more than influential for the Catalans. After a brief stop on the production line, it seems as if Ernesto Valverde and Co. have some serious plans regarding youth development.

Pre-season tournaments are very important for these young players. To get a chance in the first team crowded by big-names, youngsters get a chance to prove their mettle in the friendly matches played in the pre-season. Not only young players but also those who mainly taste the substitute bench also try to make the most out of these games.

FC Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur - International Champions Cup 2018
Both Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes suffered injuries in the match against Tottenham

This season, Denis Suarez, Sergi Samper and Andre Gomes were the big losers in the ICC outing. Missing out the games due to injury, these three talents have been largely restricted to the bench in recent years and yet again missed a chance to shine in the eyes of the boss. But let's look at five young players who made the most out of the opportunity;


#5 Juan Miranda (Left Back)

Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Youth League Final
Miranda has the pace and the acceleration to make runs from behind

The defender from the second team has exploded on to the world stage in a short period of time. Playing like a traditional Catalan full-back, Miranda has the pace and the passing abilities to help the attackers in breaking defensive lines.

Like his senior, Jordi Alba, Miranda has the pace and the acceleration to make runs from behind. The 18-year-old certainly has a promising future ahead of him.

The full-back featured in all three of Barcelona's pre-season games against Spurs, Roma and Milan.

He was also the only player from the reserve side who started the first and the third game for Valverde's side. Now with Lucas Digne away at Everton and doubts surrounding Marc Cucurella's future at the club, Miranda could be the perfect backup option for Jordi Alba and a promotion to the first squad is nothing short of a formality if the board decides not to sign another left-back in the transfer window.

Fortunately for the young Spaniard, the club hasn't been strongly linked with any other player who plays in the same position at the moment.

#4 Ramón 'Monchu' Rodríguez Jiménez (Midfielder)

FC Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur - International Champions Cup 2018
Monchu celebrates the penalty shootout win against Tottenham

Another promising midfielder in the pipeline, Monchu has made a name for himself in the academy circle of the club. Known for his passing ability, shot accuracy and reading of the game, the Spaniard is one of the most talented midfielder La Masia has produced in recent years. Monchu has an extensive resume boasting a list of abilities.

His defensive work-rate and ability to provide the extra cover defensively make him good a good defensive midfielder but his passing skills and shots make him a deadly central midfielder. A player that can cover virtually all positions in the middle of the park, Monchu is as versatile as it gets.

Sharing these skills with a certain Sergi Roberto, Monchu was instrumental in the Youth League winning campaign for the U-19 team and would now ply his trade with the reserves in the Spanish Third Division.

He played in the first two matches for the Catalans, coming on a substitute on both occasions. In his only major outing on the global stage, Monchu swiftly adapted to the big stage and his confidence and calm on the ball could be easily seen.

#3 Rafael 'Rafinha' Alcântara (Midfielder)

FC Barcelona v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
Rafinha playing for Barcelona in 'that' match against PSG at the Nou Camp

The 25-year-old Brazilian grew up in the Barça academy but never really made himself a solid part of the first team. Fresh from a loan at Inter, the Brazilian midfielder started all three of Barça's pre-season games and also scored an early goal in the defeat against Roma.

Rafinha was impressive in the pre-season games. He worked tirelessly around the pitch, playing in delicious-looking passes and also contributing defensively.

Undoubtedly, he was one of the best players from the 'older' pack of players that started the games in the States. However, it remains to be seen what the future holds in store for the midfielder.

The Barcelona midfield is already too crowded and the Brazilian might not be able to find his place in the team yet again. There are also offers from across the globe to avail the services of the talented young player. He is also linked with a return to Inter Milan.

Regardless of what happens in the future in association with the club and the player, Rafinha's performances in the pre-season have surely inflated his price in the market, which is a good sign for the board members at the Camp Nou.

#2 Riqui Puig (Midfielder)

AC Milan v FC Barcelona - International Champions Cup 2018
Puig wearing Andres Iniesta's number in the pre-season tournament

On of the jewels of the Barcelona academy, Puig continued his dazzling run of form for the club he has pledged his faith in. After winning the Youth League with the U-19 team, Puig was promoted to the B team along with most of his team-mates from the title-winning side and their manager, Garcia Pimienta. Even before making his debut for the B team this season, Puig has featured in all three of Barcelona's games in the United States.

But it is far more than his game-time under Ernesto Valverde that cements him as a strong contender for the first team in the recent year, Puig's vision and technical skills remind fans of a certain Andres Iniesta. Another of those Masia graduates rocking a petite frame and a baby-face, Puig attracted worldwide attention after his exploits in the International Champions Cup.

Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Youth League Final
Puig with the UEFA Youth League winners' trophy

Fans visiting Barcelona's training facilities in the states of California and Texas also noticed the Puig was the only player from the reserve side who participated in the 'rondos' with the big boys. Social media people also reported that Puig hangs out with Roberto and Paco Alcacer during his free time.

Undoubtedly, Puig has already settled at the big stage but there is a long way to go for the young Spanish midfielder. It has to be seen how he handles all the pressure that comes with comparisons to the legendary Andres Iniesta.

#1 Arthur Melo (CM: First Team)

AC Milan v FC Barcelona - International Champions Cup 2018
Arthur Melo: AC Milan v FC Barcelona - International Champions Cup 2018

Direct comparisons to Xavi? No pressure. After what was finally a tactical midfield transfer move in a couple of years, Barcelona fans had a lot of expectations from the young Brazilian midfielder who played the majority of his early professional career for Gremio in the Brazilian League. Arthur was a key player in the continental triumphs of Gremio and after a lot of drama regarding his transfer, Arthur finally arrived in the Nou Camp this summer.

"He (Arthur Melo) reminds me... I don't like to make comparisons, but he has the touch of Xavi, the way that he touches the ball. He's a great, great signing for Barcelona." - Rafinha
FC Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur - International Champions Cup 2018
Arthur's outrageous effort against Tottenham finds the back of the net

The Brazilian made his debut in the United States against Tottenham Hotspur and scored a fantastic goal which reminded people of one Xavi Hernandez. Arthur plays in the same position as the legendary midfielder and also shares a dozen of qualities of with El Maestro.

"Arthur is a special player with Barca DNA, if he signs for Barcelona, I'm sure he'll be a big success. There are certain players at Barca who doesn't have the right profile, technical ability (Arthur's ability) should always be a priority over physicality." - Xavi

Praised by the big man himself, Arthur's pre-season was nothing short of an overkill. He started all three games in the midfield three with Roberto and Rafinha and impressed all fans. Arthur's passing and his natural ability to control the rhythm of the game are early signs that Bartomeu pushed forward a good signing.

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Edited by Amar Anand