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Barcelona returned to second place in the La Liga table following a 2-1 victory against Mallorca at the Camp Nou on Sunday (1 May). Despite the win, Barcelona fans were left bemused by the absence of one of their young superstars, as Riqui Puig was once again left as an unused sub.
Memphis Depay's superb first-half strike fired the hosts into the lead before Sergio Busquets' effort secured Xavi Hernandez's side the three points. The Blaugrana thus ended a three-match losing streak at home.
However, Puig once again had to be a spectator on the bench. The 22-year-old midfielder has only started once in La Liga this season, while making 10 appearances as a substitute.
The Spaniard is considered one of the brightest prospects at the Catalonian giants, but faces fierce competition to be a part of Xavi's midfield three. The likes of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Gavi are all above him in the current pecking order.
With just over a year left on his contract, Barca fans are becoming concerned that their youth academy product will leave Catalonia in the near future to seek first-team opportunities.
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter to Xavi once again snubbing Puig:
Xavi hopeful Barcelona wonderkid will renew his contract
The Blaugrana have recovered well from a disastrous start to the season and look set to finish as runners-up in this season's Spanish top-flight.
One of the brightest sparks of their year has been young midfield maestro Gavi, who at just 17-years-old, is already being touted as one of world football's brightest prospects.
Gavi made his debut for the senior team in August 2021, coming on as a substitute in a league win over Getafe. The La Masia graduate has made 44 appearances for Barca across the campaign, making eight involvements and has already won six senior caps for Spain.
Xavi will be desperate to keep the teenager at the club, whose contract expires next summer.
Following the victory over Mallorca, the 42-year-old manager spoke on the matter, as per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
He said:
“I hope Gavi will renew his contract soon. I really want him to be the next one to extend after (Ronald) Araújo.”
Xavi added:
“Gavi has many things to improve, but he is just 17. Gavi is a great soul."
