Xavi comments on Barcelona’s youngsters: “It’s important to trust homegrown players”

Barcelona’s newly appointed manager Xavi Hernandez spoke about the importance of youth players and the academy earlier today. The Spaniard detailed how the mentality of a homegrown player differs from that of one coming from outside.

Coming through La Masia himself, Xavi knows the responsibility of playing for the club that trained you. He even said it’s like ‘owing a family business’.

“A homegrown player always has extra commitment, extra dedication. It’s their home, they’re Barça fans, they were nurtured here. It’s like owning a family business.”

Further, the World Cup winner also emphasised how the same could not be said about players who joined the club a little later. He stressed the fact that a player joining the club in their late teenage would also require at least a year or two to understand the style.

“Young players who come to Barça at age 17-18 take a long time to understand our football. Maybe 1-2 years. That’s why it’s so important to trust the homegrown players.”

The former Al Sadd manager is indeed truly worthy of speaking about the topic, for he is one of La Masia’s greatest breakouts. Xavi was a part of the club’s academy since a very tender age and grew up as a part of the system.

Moreover, Barcelona’s squad is truly reliant on youngsters once again. In Ansu Fati, Pedri, Gavi, Nico, Araujo and Dest, amongst others, the Catalans have a right mine of talent. Indeed, one would hope that Xavi is the perfect candidate to understand their situation and nurture them into world-class players.

Source: FC Barcelona YouTube