Riqui Puig: Training with the first team and playing the PlayStation
From the first training session in Dallas, Puig has been the only academy star to work alongside the first team squad
Aside from Arthur, Riqui Puig has been one of the biggest surprises on the US Tour. Puig symbolises the revival of the academy. He's proof that Barça's brand still exists, the style and values which make it different to any other club.
We've been waiting a while for an academy player to make that jump up to the first team - the last one was Sergi Roberto - and the whole world knows that this 18-year-old has what it takes. He's Barça from head to toe - he was a club member as a child - and only by watching him you know he's got a special gift.
Sergi Roberto said the same thing. "Since he started training with us last year I realised that he knows the Barça way. If he keeps working hard, he'll get his opportunity."
And it isn't only the players as Ernesto Valverde is also conscious this kid has all the makings to be a future star. For that reason Puig's been involved in the training sessions with the first team members since the first day they landed in America. The other academy stars are training separately.
Riqui is the chosen one. He's a homemade star and, like Xavi and Iniesta proved, you don't need to be a big money signing to play great football. Puig has the hallmarks of both those club legends and has mastered Barça's style. But he doesn't want to run before he can walk.
His first dream, making his debut against Tottenham, has been completed. The rest will come in time. While his teammates and coaching staff talk up the future star, Puig remains grounded. Yesterday morning he was spotted going up to his hotel room with a computer - and a PlayStation controller.
