For any young player in the world, the biggest dream of them all is to grace the pitch for giants like Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, only a few get that golden opportunity to represent the esteemed Spanish teams.
Barcelona, over the years, have been known for their famed youth academy ‘La Masia’. The academy has gifted some world beaters like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets et al over the years. Therefore, they have hardly been dependent on players from other teams. However, things are changing of late, probably due to the lack of quality players being produced by La Masia.
The team Barcelona possess at the moment is almost perfect and therefore dreaming of a move to Camp Nou is one who’s fulfilment needs a lot of hard work. However, there are still some quality young players in the world at the moment who can make a big difference at Camp Nou. Let us look at five such players.
#5 Marquinhos
Regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world at the moment, the Brazilian has been a long-term target of the Blaugrana. Barcelona is a club that attracts anyone but for the South American players, the attraction has been even bigger. Marquinhos is a tailor-made defender for the system the Catalans play in and whenever they will look to bolster their defence, he should be at the top of their priority list.
At just 22 years of age, the Brazilian has shown maturity beyond his years. A defender with excellent ball-playing abilities and inborn leadership skills, he could prove to be just what Barcelona need to become the ‘perfect team’.
We have seen over the years that the Blaugrana are not the best at the back, especially after the retirement of Puyol. And Marquinhos would be a ready-made fix to sort out their defence not only immediately but also in the long run.
#4 Aymeric Laporte
We mentioned in the earlier part of this article that Marquinhos is one of the best young defenders in the world. The reason we mentioned him as ‘one of the’ is because of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte. Just like Marquinhos, the French youngster would be a perfect fit for Barcelona with his all-round defensive ability. One area where the Frenchman edges Marquinhos, however, is that he is proven in La Liga unlike the Brazilian which is definitely a big factor.
Luring the 22-year-old to Camp Nou won’t be a straight-forward task at all as Laporte is believed to be a target of several big clubs in Europe including Manchester City, who are currently managed by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola. But, in the end, Barcelona is Barcelona and they can attract any player in the world.
#3 Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele, one of the hottest prospects in world football right now, certainly has what it takes to ply his trade for a club like Barcelona in the near future. Borussia Dortmund is currently blessed with a plethora of young players right now but Dembele is easily the best of the lot.
There is a swagger about his game at the age of just 19. And he is still pretty much a raw talent. Staying at Dortmund for a few more years would be beneficial for his career but in a few years time, he will be ready for the Blaugrana.
Dembele has featured 28 times for Dortmund this season having scored five goals in the process with an impressive tally of 13 assists to go with it. The Frenchman is a talent of the highest level who can score and create goals as well as prove to be a menace to any defence in the world. Dembele has what it takes to join the bracket of the Ronaldos and the Messis in the future and Barcelona should definitely try and rope him in.
#2 Paulo Dybala
‘Incredybala’, as he is fondly called by the Juventus fans, is one of the best forwards in the game right now. Due to his creative style of play, pace, talent, technique, and an eye for goal, he has been nicknamed La Joya which means ‘the jewel’ in Spanish and indeed, he is one.
We hardly come across deadly strikers who can also create chances for his side and bring dynamism in the game but Dybala is one of those rare breeds of strikers.
The Argentine forward would be a perfect player for Barcelona but the problem is that they already have a world-class forward in Luis Suarez – who is arguably the best in the world.
Installing Dybala in the Catalan team would also mean a change in the system. The 23-year-old certainly deserves to play for the best club in the world and the attraction of playing with the best player from his continent Neymar, Messi and Suarez will definitely attract him.
#1 Youri Tielemans
We have seen Barcelona struggling in midfield in some games this season. Ivan Rakitic has not been at his best this season while Andres Iniesta is also at the dusk of his career. Andre Gomes, a big-money signing from Valencia last summer, has also failed to impress at Camp Nou. So, a new central midfielder could be what Barcelona will be in search for in the summer and they could get the player they want in young Anderlecht playmaker Youri Tielemans.
A player blessed with a solid physique, a great eye for a pass and an incredible amount of energy, Tielemans has what it takes to become a complete midfielder. The Belgian wonderkid has attracted plenty of suitors in the recent past and could be a valuable addition to Barcelona if they decide to make a move for him.
