Exit-bound Barcelona gem names Pedri as his reference: ‘I watch him a lot’

Quim Junyent is set for the exit doors at Barcelona, with his contract expiring at the end of this month. The La Masia graduate is coming off a difficult season.

He chose not to renew with the Catalan club and was then left with the Juvenil A side following a failed January move to Almeria. The youngster will complete a move to the lower-league club this summer.

Despite this, the Spain Under-19 captain had nothing but words of praise for La Masia. As quoted by MARCA, he said:

“La Masia has helped me become who I am today. It has helped me work very hard. In the end, the work is not seen, but there is a lot of sacrifice, a lot of effort, and La Masia helps you with all of that. I will always be grateful, honestly.”

He then spoke about the situation he faced this season. When asked how he dealt with everything that happened, he said:

“By taking it all in stride. My time with the Barça youth team has helped me a lot; they’ve gotten along really well with me, and I’ve always tried to give my all on the pitch. I think it’s shown, and I’m always enjoying football.”

He went on to explain how his friends and family helped him get through his situation:

“In the end, I think it’s something that happens in football. I’ve thought about it more than once, but with the help of my parents, my friends, the people I love most, they’ve helped me a lot.”

“They supported me, told me to keep going, to enjoy it, that everything happens for a reason, and that if I’m true to myself, I’ll achieve everything.”

Pedri is his reference

Junyent was also asked which players he watches closely, and his answer was very Barcelona-heavy.

He said: “I like Pedri, Fermin and Merino a lot, especially those three. I think Pedri is different from the others: the team plays the way he wants.

“I watch him a lot, I try to watch his matches, how he moves, how he looks for spaces, how he carries the ball.”

The line about Pedri is quite telling because Junyent has always looked like a similar player who could excel as an interior.

For Barça, this is part of Pedri’s growing status. He is no longer just a brilliant player. He is becoming a model for the next generation of Spanish midfielders, including those formed inside Barcelona’s own academy.

Junyent also mentioned Fermin. His rise has become a useful reference for academy players because it shows there is still room for players who compete, wait, adapt and take their chance.

He was then asked who he gets along with best. Junyent said: “In the end, I know Xavi Espart and Andres Cuenca, whom I played with a lot at Barça, best.

“But I get along with everyone, including the Real Madrid players, because I know them from playing against them and from being together on the national team. Football brings us together.”

Cubarsi and Lamine set the bar

Junyent also spoke about the advice he has received when watching young players such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi explode so early.

He said: “Everyone tells me not to focus on others, on the young players who are already making their debuts, that everyone has their own path.”

“I think it is important to know that it is not normal, like Lamine or Pau Cubarsi, to make your debut at 18 or 19 and already be one of the best players in the world.”

“I think a bit like them, because football is difficult, there are many people and everyone has to make their own path.”

Lamine and Cubarsi are not normal cases. They are elite exceptions, and comparing every La Masia talent to them would be unfair.

Junyent also revealed his closeness with Cubarsi: “I have more of a relationship with Pau, because last year I went to class with him and he is my friend.

“Now not as much, because he no longer lives at La Masia, he lives in a house, but from time to time we go to eat and talk. He is my friend, I love him and I always wish him the best, because he has always wished the best for me.”

Among the many things that come out in this interview, one is Junyent’s maturity at such a young age, touching on quite a few difficult topics with grace.

He may not have received the chance he wanted at Barça, but he remains grateful for the education they gave him and how it helped his development.

It remains to be seen how Junyent leads Spain in the European Championship and whether he goes on to realise his potential elsewhere in the coming seasons.