BARCELONA’S change in philosophy was evident as only one graduate of the club’s famed La Masia academy started their shock defeat to Alaves — the first time that’s happened for over 14 years.
Luis Enrique named the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta on the bench with Sergio Busquets — who was named captain for the occasion — the only former youth team player in the starting XI.
The last time Barca started a match with just one La Masia graduate was against Real Madrid on April 24, 2002 — with then boss Carles Rexach opting to select Thiago Motta for the Champions League semi-final first-leg at the Nou Camp.
The Catalans are renown for giving youth players a chance.
Pep Guardiola included an incredible nine players who graduated from La Masia in the victorious 2011 Champions League final squad.
However, no prospects have emerged since and established themselves in the side.
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Though, Guardiola did buy Jordi Alba, who started his youth career at Barca, for Valencia the summer after that final victory over Manchester United at Wembley.
The five-time European champions have splashed out on big-name stars such as Neymar and Luis Suarez as top quality La Masia graduates are nowhere to be seen.
Enrique also splashed out on the likes of Arda Turan and Andre Gomes, who are not even guaranteed starters.
For their Champions League clash with Celtic, as well as Gerard Pique, Alba, Messi and Iniesta — who have been in the starting line-up for five seasons — Barca will have Sergi Roberto available, who is far behind the others in terms of quality.
It is another clear indication that the Catalans’ famed academy is failing them.
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