How Barcelona could field a La Masia XI against Villareal | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to take on Villarreal later today at the Montjuic, looking to crown their La Liga triumph with a performance worthy of champions. After clinching the title with a memorable win over Espanyol, the spotlight now shifts to how Hansi Flick’s men will approach this celebratory fixture.

Ahead of the game, Hansi Flick spoke on a variety of topics in the pre-match presser and there was one quote that caught the eye of many. The German coach revealed that there was some consideration given to fielding a La Masia graduates only XI. Here is what he said:

“We’ve talked about it, but we haven’t decided yet. It’s an option. We have to wait until tomorrow to decide.”

Just the thought of managing to do this again would make Barcelona fans extremely proud and we at Sempre Barca thought it would be a nice exercise to take a look at a potential XI players that Flick could start against Villarreal who would satisfy this condition.

Hansi Flick could field a full La Masia XI against Villarreal. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper:

In goal, among the three options that Hansi Flick has in the first team, Inaki Pena is the only player to have come through the academy. Thus, the German coach will have to go back to the Spaniard to start against Marcelino’s team.

Defence:

Fielding a XI with only academy graduates in defence is unlikely to be an issue and here is how Flick could go about it. Hector Fort can start at right-back with one of Alejandro Balde or Gerard Martin getting the nod at left-back.

The centre-back partnership on the night has to be Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi. Should Flick line up with these four names in defense (Balde over Martin), it would be a back-line that is very intelligent and very good with the ball at their feet.

Midfield:

In midfield, a La Masia graduates only XI means no Pedri or Frenkie de Jong. Thus, Marc Casado could start as the #6 on the night or alongside Gavi in a double pivot. The number 10 would then be Dani Olmo, completing a trio of academy graduate midfielders.

Attack:

In attack, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski are rendered ineligible for selection as per this assumption. Lamine Yamal is certain to start on the right, while Ansu Fati might get just his fourth start of the season through the middle.

From the left, Flick needs to get creative and Fermin Lopez could be the chosen one, with the midfielder perfectly capable of playing on the left as seen in many instances before.

While this La Masia XI might not represent Barcelona’s strongest side on paper, it would be a celebration of the club’s core values, youth, development, and tactical intelligence. In a fixture with little at stake for the hosts, it’s the perfect platform to highlight the talent that’s rising through the ranks.

Whether Flick follows through with the idea remains to be seen, but even the consideration speaks volumes about his belief in the academy and its role in Barca’s future. If it does happen, fans can expect not just nostalgia, but a glimpse of what’s to come.

Potential La Masia graduates-only starting XI for Barcelona against Villarreal. (Source: FotMOB)