Barcelona’s Champions League Squad Selections Raise Eyebrows
Barcelona FC has surprised many by including two B team players, Gerard Martin and Unai Hernandez, in their Champions League ‘A’ squad for the 2024/25 season. This decision reflects both Barcelona’s current financial situation and their faith in the club’s youth academy, La Masia.
According to UEFA regulations, teams can register a maximum of 25 players in their Champions League ‘A’ squad. Of these, at least eight players must be locally trained, meaning they must have spent a significant amount of time developing at the club. Barcelona, known for nurturing homegrown talent, has no issue meeting this requirement.
The inclusion of these young players highlights the club’s commitment to giving emerging talents opportunities on Europe’s biggest stage.
UEFA’s A and B List Explained
UEFA allows clubs to have two types of squads: the ‘A’ and ‘B’ lists. The ‘A’ list, limited to 25 players, is where Barcelona has included Martin and Hernandez. Meanwhile, the ‘B’ list can contain an unlimited number of young players, as long as they were born after January 1, 2003, and have been with the club for at least two years. The ‘B’ list can be updated each matchday, offering more flexibility to clubs throughout the season.
Who Are Gerard Martin and Unai Hernandez?
Gerard Martin, a defender, joined Barcelona B from Cornella in 2023. At 22 years old, he’s too old for the ‘B’ list, but his inclusion in the ‘A’ list shows that Barcelona sees potential in him. He has only made one La Liga appearance so far but could be called upon during the Champions League campaign if needed. With his experience in Barcelona’s reserve team, Martin is viewed as a solid defensive option.
Unai Hernandez, on the other hand, is a 19-year-old midfielder who has made significant strides since joining from Girona in 2022. He scored ten goals from midfield for Barcelona B last season, demonstrating his attacking abilities. Though he has yet to play a competitive match for the senior team, Hernandez was involved in the preseason and impressed with his leadership qualities, now serving as the vice-captain of the B team.
The Importance of La Masia in Barcelona’s Future
La Masia, Barcelona’s legendary academy, has produced world-class players like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta. The club continues to rely on this talent pipeline, especially in financially challenging times. Including Martin and Hernandez in the Champions League squad emphasizes Barcelona’s long-term strategy of building from within, rather than spending large sums in the transfer market.
Given their limited squad size in La Liga, Barcelona will likely need these young players to step up in critical moments. Both Martin and Hernandez have earned their spots through hard work and strong performances in the B team, and their involvement in the Champions League is a testament to their potential.
Barcelona’s Full Champions League A Squad
Barcelona FC squad for the Champions League ‘A’ list includes a mix of established stars and promising talents. Here’s a breakdown of the players:
- Goalkeepers: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inaki Pena
- Defenders: Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin
- Midfielders: Gavi, Pedri, Pablo Torre, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Unai Hernandez
- Forwards: Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Pau Victor, Lamine Yamal
Players to Watch in the 2024/25 Champions League
Among the players listed, several stand out as key figures in Barcelona’s Champions League campaign:
- Gavi and Pedri, two of the most exciting young midfielders in the world, will be pivotal in controlling the tempo of Barcelona’s matches. Their technical ability and vision make them crucial to the team’s success.
- Robert Lewandowski, one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, will lead the attack. His experience and goal-scoring prowess will be vital for Barcelona to advance deep into the competition.
- Lamine Yamal, another emerging talent from La Masia, has captured the attention of many with his performances. Though still young, Yamal’s speed and skill have already made him a player to watch in the future.
The B List: Youngsters Ready to Step Up
Barcelona FC also named 11 players on their ‘B’ list, showcasing the depth of young talent ready to step up if needed. Players on this list include goalkeepers Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen, defenders like Sergi Dominguez and Alexis Olmedo, and forwards such as Antonio Fernandez. These players will remain available for selection throughout the competition, giving coach Xavi plenty of options.
One notable name on the ‘B’ list is Marc Bernal. Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury, he was still included in the squad, showing Barcelona’s belief in his talent and future potential.
What Does This Mean for Barcelona’s Champions League Hopes?
By blending experienced stars with talented youngsters, Barcelona is positioning itself for a competitive Champions League campaign. However, the reliance on youth also presents risks. Players like Martin and Hernandez, while talented, lack experience at the highest level. It remains to be seen how they will perform under the intense pressure of Champions League football.
Nonetheless, Barcelona’s approach reflects the club’s belief in its academy and the importance of developing homegrown players. If these youngsters can rise to the occasion, Barcelona could find unexpected success in the tournament.
Conclusion
Barcelona’s decision to include Gerard Martin and Unai Hernandez in their Champions League ‘A’ squad has surprised many, but it highlights the club’s ongoing commitment to youth development. With a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents, Barcelona hopes to compete at the highest level in Europe. Fans will be eager to see how these young players contribute as Barcelona begins its journey in the Champions League.
This season could prove to be a defining one for the club’s future, as La Masia graduates continue to play a crucial role in Barcelona’s ambitions. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
