Riqui Puig knocking at the first team door

Riqui Puig completó una gran actuación frente al Girona | sport

07/03/2019 Upd. on 08/03/2019 at 11:26 CET

There were not many conclusions to be taken from the Nova Creu Alta stadium. Among the few there were, though, was the confirmation that Carles Aleña has the quality to play much more. Against Rayo Vallecano the usual trio should be given a rest so they're fresh against Lyon.

Samuel Umtiti got some more minutes (45) as he returns from injury, as did Jasper Cillessen. The rest of the first teamers looked like substitutes.

Gran Riqui

Another positive was further proof that Riqui Puig is ever more ready to make the jump to the first team. The academy graduate, along with Aleña, took responsibility in midfield and created for his teammates. Ernesto Valverde, surely, will not have misssed the details. Puig, along with Aleña, Arthur and Frenkie de Dong, will form Barça's midfield of the future.

Wague, Miranda, Oriol Busquets, Collado and Abel Ruiz were the other youngsters that stepped up from the B team for the game. Barça have a future in the academy.