La Masia Team of the Year: Puig, Navarro & Monchu included
Riqui Puig and Robert Navarro have been the biggest stars this season
On Monday, Jordi Roura said the following to the youngsters at Barcelona's La Masia: "We all want to win, but the important thing is the way, without losing our identity. And we have got back to doing that. That's our flagship. Our way of understanding football makes us unique, different."
And what a triumph this past season has been. Barça's campaign was spectacular, with trophies like the UEFA Youth League won by the U19s and league titles won across the various age groups. There are always some players that stand out more than others, though, and we have built the Team of the Year.
In goal, the standout player has been Iñaki Peña for the U19s. He was key in the league and Youth League success.
Ahead of him, in defence, are Diego Almeida and Pol Muñoz from the U14s. They're two centre-backs with a big future ahead of them. On the left of them is Alejandro Balde, from the U15s, an example of consistency.
It's always tough to choose just four midfielder. However, the U19s fine season has been in part thanks to the performances of Riqui Puig, Monchu Rodriguez and Alex Collado -- so they all make the cut. Joining them is the promising Cristo Muñoz, the best player with the U14s younger age group.
Further forward, Robert Navarro has had a great year for the U16s. However, Barça will not keep hold of him with a move to Monaco close.
The other two forward selected are Nils Mortimer, who has done well for the U18s, and Alejandro Marques. Playing for the U19s and, at times, Barça B, the Venezuelan has been one of the stars of the season.
Making the bench are: Ramon Vila (U16s), Jose Martinez (U16s), Pablo Paez ‘Gavi’ (U14s), Jorge Alastuey (U15s), Konrad de la Fuente (U18s) and Gerard Hernandez (U14s)
