Carles Alena becoming a real option for Barcelona

Despite the draw against Valencia, Barcelona’s Carles Alena stood out making a strong case for more playing time.

In a game where Barcelona disappointingly dropped two points, Carles Alena stood out as one of the team’s few bright spots. He seems to have finally caught the eye of Ernesto Valverde and earned his trust. He’s been a starter in three out of the last five games and does not look out of place.

It has not been an easy season for the Barcelona youth product. After impressing with Barcelona B, this season was supposed to be the season where he made the jump to the senior team. He did all of pre-season with Barcelona but an early-season injury kept him out of action. When he made his return, there were already other midfielders above him in the depth chart. With the additions of Arthur and Arturo Vidal, playing time was going to be scarce.

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Alena’s situation was a bit unique in that he could still be sent down to Barcelona B as he was not yet a full-fledged senior team member. To get match fitness, Barcelona sent him down to the youth team to get a game rhythm. When he was down there, it was evident that he was well above the talent level of the Spanish third division. Among the Barcelona fan base, there was growing frustration because he wasn’t getting any playing time. However, Alena never complained.

It was back in December in a game against Villarreal where his fortune changed. He came on as a sub late in a game where Barcelona held a 1-0 lead. Alena went on to score his first senior goal for Barcelona off a superb pass from Lionel Messi. If there was a before and after with regards to Alena’s season, it would be that game.

While not sunshine and roses and still not playing every game, Valverde seems to have more faith in him and he’s worked himself up Barcelona’s depth chart. The game against Valencia was perhaps his best performance this season. He was assertive and didn’t shy away from the ball. He took on players and tried to make things happen so it was surprising when Valverde took him off in the second half.

Considering the performance he was putting in, any other player would be fuming at being taken off. However, that’s not Alena’s style. When asked after the game, he was very diplomatic.

He said, “I’m not surprised I was substituted and I’m happy with the chances the coach has given me.”

At 21-years old, he knows if he plays as he did against Valencia, the opportunities will come. With ageing players like Rakitic, Busquets, and Vidal, Alena, alongside Arthur and the incoming Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona’s midfield will transition but remain in good hands. After numerous clamours for Masia players breaking through, looks like Barcelona have one in Carles Alena.