- Jul 30, 2011
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Unai Emery said he was very happy at Sevilla & fully intends to lead the team in it's first CL campaign in 6 years. Rumored Barca RB target Aleix Vidal also said he hopes Emery stays too.
Emery had some really critical comments on Deulofeu -
@Keepie Uppie, you asked about Munir... This Barca site Grup 14 had this to say about several Barca B players include Munir. Not sure I agree with everything the writer said, but it's worth a read if anyone is interested. Spoiler mode below.
http://grup14.com/article/the-upcoming-la-masia-talents-to-break-into-barcelona-s-first-team
Emery had some really critical comments on Deulofeu -
He has incredible qualities but lacks others. Put him out there, one on one and ... pfff... But make him play football with teammates, on a big pitch, and it’s hard. He doesn’t have the maturity or capacity for sacrifice yet.
I told him: 'There are players here who aspire to a contract like yours, men with less talent but more hunger: Iborra, Carriço, Vitolo. They know what it costs. You haven’t experienced that. When you do, you’ll grow. I hope you get that. If not here, somewhere else.
@Keepie Uppie, you asked about Munir... This Barca site Grup 14 had this to say about several Barca B players include Munir. Not sure I agree with everything the writer said, but it's worth a read if anyone is interested. Spoiler mode below.
The upcoming La Masia talents to break into Barcelona's first team
The summer transfer window is upon us once again but due to the transfer embargo on FC Barcelona, there won’t be any new players coming from the outside, which means La Masia has to come to the first team’s rescue. No problem, because in terms of talent, the ones coming up from La Masia could rival whatever is on the market, the timing couldn’t have been better. Despite Barcelona B’s big problems in Liga Adelante, their team is the most talented in recent memory.
Here are the players that have the potential to become relevant for the first team next season.
Sergi Samper (Defensive Midfielder)
The latest midfield talent produced by La Masia, Samper has the qualities to go all the way at Barcelona. Despite playing in the same position as irreplaceable Sergio Busquets, there are high expectations for the 20-year-old in the club, and the young Spaniard has already gotten some minutes for the first team this season in the Champions League vs Cypriot Champions APOEL. One shouldn’t be surprised to see him more with the first team next season, and with Xavi's departure Samper is likely be promoted to the first team.
Adama Traoré (Right Winger)
Last season, Adama Traoré really broke through in the second division in Spain and was selected in the team of the year, despite only being a regular for Barcelona B for half a season. Despite a few ups and downs, he has shown his talent this season in Liga Adelante, with 12 assists under his belt and having made the most dribbles among all players. A true winger who has also played a few games for the first team this season, great goal included, Adama might have a spot to play for at the first team next season with Pedro's exit looming.
Álejandro Grimaldo (Left Back)
After being out for a year in 2013 with a serious knee injury, Álejandro Grimaldo came back strongly last season and has been Barcelona B’s most consistent player this season. His looks and profile are reminiscent of Jordi Alba, but in terms of playing style, he resembles Dani Alves; a playmaking full back with the ability to shoot from long range. He’s also a decent central midfielder and the team’s set piece specialist, scoring three free-kick goals this season, the same number as Messi in La Liga this season. Adriano could leave Barcelona this summer, and Grimaldo will most likely take the spot as Jordi Alba’s backup.
Munir El Haddadi (Striker)
Munir El Haddadi had a spectacular start to this season, when Luis Enrique used him frequently in the Barcelona attack. But after Luis Suárez returned to the pitch, Munir returned to Barcelona B, where it has taken a bit of time for him to regain form but he has showed what he is capable of on multiple occasions. A fast and versatile attacker with an eye for goal, Munir will most likely be competing to become a backup for the front three next season.
Sandro Ramírez (Striker)
Luis Suárez’s absence at the start of the season opened up a chance for the B-team strikers. Sandro Ramírez was one of them. He wasn’t given quite as many chances as Munir El Haddadi but he turned out to be the more effective of the two, scoring goals against Levante, once vs Ajax and the winning goal against Villarreal away from home. He hasn’t done badly in Liga Adelante either, scoring eight goals. An effective, powerful and dynamic striker, he’ll also be competing to become the front trio’s backup on the first team next season, coming up against Adama and Munir.
Alen Halilović (Attacking Midfielder)
Last summer Alen Halilović joined Barcelona, starting at Barcelona B reportedly with a clause in his contract which will promote him to the first team next season. The young Croatian has shown potential but it’s clear that he needs time to integrate into Barcelona’s system. He had to play in central midfield, a position he really hasn’t been played before. Maybe another year at Barcelona B will benefit him instead of joining the first team next season. He got his debut with the first team earlier this season and we’ll see what Luis Enrique plans to do with the young and talented Croat.
Edgar Ié (Centre Back)
Joining Barcelona in 2012, Edgar Ié has been a regular player in Barcelona B’s defense for the past two seasons. Despite lacking strength and concentration at times, the Portuguese centre back uses his pace, composure and courage to keep the opposition from scoring. He has gotten one game for the first team this season, but his chances for more first-team action next season is doubtful, especially if Thomas Vermaelen stays fit. A loan could do Edgar Ié good.
Sergi Palencia (Right Back)
Sergi Palencia has really been the revelation this spring for a Barcelona B that has had quite a troubled Liga Adelante campaign. When Jordi Vinyals was promoted to take over for Eusebio Sacristan after the latter was fired, Vinyals decided to make Palencia a starter and the 19-year-old has performed accordingly. Palencia is solid in defense and not afraid to go forward either. With the possibility of Dani Alves not continuing and Barcelona needing a right back, Sergi Palencia might be a long-term option, if he can keep up. It’ll be interesting to see if he will get first-team action next season.
http://grup14.com/article/the-upcoming-la-masia-talents-to-break-into-barcelona-s-first-team
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