Another summer casting session by Xavi Hernandez

The ball is rolling once again. Barcelona's preseason started yesterday. It hasn't been long since the friendly match in Japan to bid farewell to Andres Iniesta from Vissel Kobe. In fact, it has only been little over a month.

While the players were on holiday, the technical staff has been working hard, and so far, they have made two signings: Ilkay Gündogan and Iñigo Martínez. Xavi hasn't got his full squad yet as many international players have been given permission for more time off, but that opens the door to calling up players from the B team and the youth team. In yesterday's session, there were 12 players who are not part of the first team under his command.

In previous preseasons, under other coaches, it could be said that these players were just "sparring" and their mission was to fill out the training sessions so that the teams could be balanced. However, some of these young players, like Lamine Yamal, already know that participating in training with Xavi can have rewards, such as a debut and the opportunity to stay with the first team.

It is true that more international players will arrive, and there may be more signings. Mateu Alemany already mentioned yesterday that we shouldn't expect many departures. Meanwhile, these players from the B team and the youth team, such as Alarcón, Cubarsí, Diego Kochen, Estanis, Faye, Fermín López, Héctor Fort, Casadó, Marc Guiu, Pau Prim, Unai Hernández, and Yamal himself, will continue giving their all to have the opportunity to travel with the team to the United States and who knows, maybe play a few minutes in the Dallas Clasico.

After this initial selection process, the daily routine will resume, and they will have to continue with their respective teams and occasionally train with Xavi. They know they are being watched and cared for, and both the coach and the club are not afraid to put a young player on the pitch, who is not yet old enough to drive.