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Five young players that are surely going to shine for Barcelona

By Bence Bocsak

CORDOBA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 10: Marc Cucurella of Spain looks on during the International Friendly match between Spain U21 and Germany U21 at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel on October 10, 2019 in Cordoba, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
CORDOBA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 10: Marc Cucurella of Spain looks on during the International Friendly match between Spain U21 and Germany U21 at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel on October 10, 2019 in Cordoba, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 12: Moriba Kourouma Kourouma of FC Barcelona U19 celebrating his goal during the UEFA Youth League round of 16 round 2 at Mini Estadi on March 12, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 12: Moriba Kourouma Kourouma of FC Barcelona U19 celebrating his goal during the UEFA Youth League round of 16 round 2 at Mini Estadi on March 12, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

4. Ilaix Moriba

Age: 16

Position: Central Midfield

After Ansu Fati’s rapid rise to Barcelona’s first team, Ilaix Moriba may be the next youngster to make a similar progression from the Catalan’s La Masia academy. Moriba has already been making major waves in the club’s academy and has attracted the interest of some of the best clubs in world football including Manchester City and Juventus. However Moriba so far seems committed to Barcelona.

At just 16 years of age Moriba is already a regular member of the Catalan’s U19 side and his excellent combative playing style has been a real menace for opposition defenders. Moriba has impressed in the UEFA Youth League making 6 appearances and scoring 1 goal and 1 assist last season.

Moriba also debuted for Barcelona B last season in a 24 minute cameo against SD Ejea.

The Spanish midfielder hailing from Guinea is currently away on international duty with Spain at the U17 World Cup. He has already made his debut for Spain’s U18 side and is playing an age up from his own age group.

Moriba has been compared to the likes of Yaya Toure and Paul Pogba and it is easy to see why. He posses the same commanding presence in midfield and has the ability to pick out long range passes from anywhere on the pitch. He is full of pace and has excellent physical features which means he possess all the traits to become a great player for Barcelona.

Still just 16 years old, Moriba has plenty of time to make the step-up and he will be hoping to emulate his former team-mate at U19 level in Ansu Fati.

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