Sergi Samper is yet another example of good youth players failing to make the transition between the B and the first team. The midfielder was promoted to the first team back in 2016 but was offloaded on several loan deals. Moreover, the neverending injuries hampered his career. Eventually, Samper was forced to leave Barca this January as he joined Andres Iniesta's Vissel Kobe.
Nonetheless, the ex-Blaugrana man remains optimistic on the future of his former La Masia teammates, Carles Alena and Riqui Puig. In the exclusive interview to Diario Sport, he backs the duo to demonstrate their potential at Barca first team.
Samper says on Riqui: "He's got a lot of potential, a lot of personality and quality. But he still has a lot to learn as well, which I'm sure he will. He could become a great player."
As for Alena, he adds: "I like him a lot. He'll get chances, step by step. There's a lot of players who can play in midfield but the ones who succeed are the ones who have the biggest personalities."
Alena was promoted to the first team last term when Rafinha suffered a season-ending injury. Puig, meanwhile, is set to remain at the Barca B team for a while. In any case, the potential inclusion of either of the starlets in the Barcelona starting line-up is highly doubtful given the abundance of the midfielder and the recent €75m arrival of Frenkie de Jong.
By the way, Samper has also heaped praise on the Dutchman as well. He doesn't believe his acquisition could pose a problem for the Academy graduates to make a breakthrough into the senior team.
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