16-year-old Barcelona full-back called up to first-team training in veteran star’s absence

Barcelona did not exactly have the best of starts to 2024, with the club confirming the injury of Marcos Alonso.

The left-back needs surgery to overcome his back problem and has been ruled out on the sidelines for a considerable amount of time.

Alonso’s absence further limits Xavi’s options in the full-back department, especially at a time when the club are already suffering with injuries to other key players.

Albert Navarro in focus

However, the injury of Marcos Alonso may emerge as an opportunity for a certain Albert Navarro.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona Juvenil A starlet has been in focus following the injury of Alonso, with Xavi interested in trying out his services.

A left-back by trade, Navarro is currently a part of the Barcelona U19 setup. He is yet to make his debut for the Barça Atletic, but he has increasingly come under focus in recent days.

Not to mention, Navarro has trained with the senior side a few times already and is regarded highly within the La Masia circles. The youngster was called up for the first training session of 2024 today

Despite standing at just 1.75m, Navarro is a technically-astute fullback, with the ability to not just rotate possession from the back and but also width going forward.

The Barcelona academy has already produced a talented left-back recently in the form of Alejandro Balde. But the Spaniard has endured muted growth this season, with his form dipping.

The ascension of Albert Navarro, therefore, could prove to be crucial for Barcelona as they look to fill in the shoes of Alonso, who, in any case, could depart Camp Nou at the end of the season.

However, in the meantime, it is not guaranteed that the 16-year-old Navarro will receive chances in the senior side. The youngster must prove himself in the reserve side before he can be considered by Xavi. The 16-year-old is certainly one to watch out for.

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/16-year-old-barcelona-full-back-called-up-to-first-team-training-in-veteran-stars-absence/

Author : Connell Edgar-Jones

Publish date : 2024-01-01 19:05:34

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