Ranking the 10 best players aged under 23 at Barcelona

Barcelona's success in the early 2010s can be credited to their excellent recruitment policy. During that golden period, the Blaugrana managed to make full use of the talents at their disposal, promoting several gems from La Masia. The operation, helmed by the enigmatic Pep Guardiola, turned out to be hugely successful as Barcelona won a bucket load of titles during his tenure. However, the club seem to have strayed away from the ideals that earned them their reputation in the first place in recent times.

Many La Masia graduates have achieved success outside Barcelona

Under the regime of the infamous Josep Bartomeu, Barcelona seldom gave a chance to the budding youngsters they had in their ranks. Instead, the focus was shifted towards big-money signings in the hope of replicating their earlier success. Case in point: their acquisition of Lucas Digne and Junior Firpo for a combined fee of €36.5 million.

Both left-backs failed to secure a starting spot during their time at Barcelona and were subsequently sold. However, to facilitate their signings, the Catalan giants sacrificed homegrown talents like Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella and Juan Miranda. All three prospects are now enjoying regular game time at their new clubs, while Barcelona struggle to find adequate depth in their full-back regions.

Nevertheless, a change in the presidency, coupled with their crippling financial condition, has resulted in the emergence of a set of budding youngsters. Keeping the supposed resurrection of La Masia in mind, let's take a look at the 10 best youngsters at Barcelona:

(NOTE: Only players that are aged 22 or under are considered for the list)

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#10 Alejandro Balde

FC Barcelona v Granada CF - La Liga Santander

The only left-back at Barcelona's disposal, other than the evergreen Jordi Alba, Alejandro Balde has quietly risen to prominence. A regular in the B-team, Balde was finally given a chance in the senior squad at the tender age of 17, following a string of consistent performances with the youth side. In just two appearances with the club, Balde has been able to impress the Barcelona faithful, with many deeming him the heir to Alba's throne.

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#9 Nico Gonzalez

Photo courtesy: Twitter

Hailed as the 'new Busquets', Nico Gonzalez has experienced a sudden rise to prominence in recent seasons. The teenage sensation is extremely versatile, having the ability to play anywhere in the middle of the pitch.

Due to his astounding potential, several superclubs including Manchester City and Real Madrid were interested in snapping up Gonzalez. However, he chose to fight for his place and is now one of the brightest prospects at Barcelona. Still just 19, Gonzalez is one for the future.

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#8 Yusuf Demir

Demir has been an instant hit at Barcelona

Amidst their free-transfer spree in the summer of 2021, Barcelona announced the loan signing of an unknown youngster from Rapid Wien. However, it didn't take much time for the fans to notice Yusuf Demir as he had an immediate impact at the club.

The Austrian winger impressed everyone with his dribbling abilities, even bagging a goal in Barcelona's pre-season. Regarded as the next big thing in Austrian football, the Blaugrana would be wise to make use of their option-to-buy on Demir and make his move permanent next summer.

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#7 Oscar Mingueza

Mingueza has been a surprise hit at Camp Nou

Ever since his debut in 2020, Oscar Mingueza has established himself as one of the most reliable players at Barcelona. Primarily a centre-back, the Spanish prospect is equally adept at playing on the right side of the defence. Apart from his versatility, Mingueza also possesses tremendous close ball control.

As a result, the defender looks gracious while driving the ball forward. At 22, Mingueza has a lot of time to hone his raw talent and truly cement his place in Barcelona's starting lineup.

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#6 Alex Collado

Next year will be crucial for Collado's future at Barcelona

Having captained the B-team for the 2020-21 season, Alex Collado was promoted to the first team earlier this year. The attacking midfielder has drawn a lot of comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his playing style and loyalty to Barcelona. Collado was instrumental in the B-team's sensational run last term, leading his side to the semi-finals of the promotional playoffs.

Unfortunately, Barcelona have failed to register the 22-year-old forward in La Liga this campaign, leading to his omission from the first team. Nevertheless, Collado is expected to make a dominant return next season.

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#5 Riqui Puig

Puig is yet to cement his position in the first team

An undisclosed dispute with coach Ronald Koeman has resulted in Riqui Puig getting minimal time on the pitch. Subsequently, he is yet to display his true potential in front of the audience. Nevertheless, Puig has efficiently made use of whatever chances he has been provided with.

Upon his injection, the Catalan brings a unique sense of urgency to the team, masterfully displaying his abilities on the ball. A natural dribbler, the diminutive midfielder possesses exceptional passing skills. With the backing of the president as well as the fans, it is only a matter of time until Puig gets a much-deserved run in the first team.

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#4 Ronald Araujo

Araujo has been rock solid at the back

In a subdued Barcelona side, their defense continues to be their most exploitable weakness. With Gerard Pique's declining form and Clement Lenglet's error-prone nature, the Blaugrana have little solidity in their backline. Nevertheless, Ronald Araujo's recent emergence has reignited confidence in the fans.

Standing at a massive 6 feet 2 inches, the Uruguayan youngster has been the most consistent defender at Barcelona since his debut. If he continues on his current trajectory, Araujo will definitely be a key figure at Camp Nou in the coming years.

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#3 Gavi

Gavi has been named in the 2021 Golden Boy award's preliminary shortlist

Having made his debut at 17, Barcelona's Gavi has experienced a sudden rise to prominence. He even dominated Ballon d'Or contender Jorginho in his very first international outing, gathering widespread acclaim in the process.

With the 2021-22 season being his maiden campaign, the youngster recently received his first market quotation. At the first time of asking, Gavi has scored an unfathomable valuation of €25 million.

The gifted midfielder has already garnered praise from both Ronald Koeman and Luis Enrique due to his commanding performances. Even in a struggling Barcelona side, Gavi has proven his worth, brilliantly interpreting spaces and assisting in creative play as well. In Gavi, Barcelona have a certified future superstar on their hands.

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#2 Ansu Fati

Fati scored an absolute banger against Valencia recently

The fact that Barcelona are already reliant on Ansu Fati in goalscoring terms speaks volumes of the youngster's talent. The proud bearer of numerous records at Camp Nou, Fati is the official heir to Lionel Messi, having recently inherited his fabled No.10 jersey.

The Spaniard already has the attacking mentality of a seasoned veteran at the age of 18, with a maturity that stretches way beyond his years. Having recently recovered from a long-term injury, Fati has the potential to become a world-beater in the future, provided he can maintain his fitness.

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#1 Pedri

Pedri has proven to be undroppable for Barcelona

Arguably the most talented teenager of the current era, Pedri has been an absolute revelation. Bought from Spanish minnows Las Palmas in 2020, the youngster has already racked up 56 appearances for Barcelona. Despite his young age, the Spaniard continues to be one of the first names on the team sheet at Camp Nou. And deservedly so.

In the past 12 months, Pedri has elevated his game to such a level that he is now considered indispensable at Camp Nou. Valued at a mouth-watering €80 million, the Spanish prodigy is easily one of the best players in this Barcelona squad, despite his tender age of 18.

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