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FC Barcelona as long as I have loved the beautiful game have been a football club, famed for blooding the next generation.

Superstars such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Carlos Puyol and some fella called Lionel Meddi were fine examples of players who graduated from La Masia.

La Masia is of course the famed school of excellence for Barcelona footballing students, wanting to graduate, like those illustrious names before them.

It was one of football’s near certainties, in an industry that’s far from certain.

If a player gets into La Masia and graduates he is destined for a good career if he plays with Barca and a respectable if he goes elsewhere.

In the current era, sorry football fans, I am not so convinced. Ronald Araujo has graduated and has looked assured in the centre of defence.

Players like Riqui Puig, who has been sold, Pedri and Ansu Fati haven’t so much for varying reasons. Now in the case of the last two examples, the jury is still out in regards to their Barcelona careers.

What doesn’t help either player’s case is their injury records. Spanish youngster Pedri, only a few seasons ago was seen as the golden boy of Spain, but burnout and in turn injuries has temporarily put an end to that.

The same can be said in regards to Fati, who has now been loaned to Brighton. This lad was supposed to be the focal point of the attack for the next 10 years at least.

At 20 years old, of course, there’s time on his side and this could change, but over the past 12-18 months, Ansu Fati has been a shadow of the player tipped to be Lionel Messi’s heir.

Barcelona had very high hopes for Fati, they even gave him the number 10 shirt, famously worn by the Argentine.

Now though, having sealed a loan move to Brighton, his Barcelona career is hanging by a thread. Ansu Fati is a case of young players not being given the Barcelona treatment.

He is also the most high profile, especially with the buyout clause that came in his contract (£855.8 Million, approx.).

With the news that Yamine Yamal, Barca’s 16-year-old talent been given a call-up and is being branded the next big thing, I am giving reasons why there should be caution.

Barcelona’s recent policy has been buying proven talent. Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo who were deadline day purchases are examples of that.

Cancelo wouldn’t have arrived to play second fiddle to Alex Balde. Which again is a reason, why I felt the need to address the issue.

Balde, after Jordi Alba started showing some signs of decline to play for The Catalans, seamlessly fitted into the team.

What’s his reward? Being second fiddle to a player who couldn’t get into the Manchester City team, nor Bayern’s.

Yamine, the best of luck to you, but remember the names of Christian Tello, Munir El-Hadadi, Bojan and Carlos Alena.

Yet more examples of players who have got lost in the Barcelona system. Maybe it’s just me, but once upon a time, I felt there wouldn’t be so many youngsters slipping through the system.

If they blooded the youngsters, it could save money too. Food for thought Mr. Hernadez and Laporta.

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