In the past several years, Barcelona have experienced another successful period of football, extending a dynasty that has been taking shape since the years of Frank Rijkaard. While one would be hard pressed to deny Barcelona’s successes, one portion of their current footballing philosophy has dropped off in recent years, something that made them so successful in the first place… their ability to raise players from their famous academy, La Masia and produce first-team stars with class, ability, and the Barcelona system ingrained in their veins.
In one match during Tito Vilanova’s time in charge of the first team, Barcelona fielded a “La Masia Starting XI”, eleven players on the pitch all who had been raised in the renowned academy.