Overview
- This weekend, Antonio Conte told The Athletic that La Masia is “doing something extraordinary” and said he would like to visit the academy to study its methods.
- Conte said the academy’s coaching and structure are aligned with Barcelona’s first team, which helps teenagers adapt quickly to senior football.
- He singled out left‑back Xavi Espart as an example, recalling a DAZN commentator noting Espart had only brief appearances last season and was almost loaned before becoming a starter.
- Barcelona’s strong start under Hansi Flick — reported as nine wins from nine — has featured multiple academy graduates such as Pau Cubarsí, Fermín López and Lamine Yamal.
- Observers say La Masia now serves as both a sporting pipeline and a financial resource that lets Barcelona promote homegrown talent instead of relying on costly transfers, a shift that could shape the club’s short‑term squad planning.