What Ronald Koeman must prioritise at Barcelona – Lionel Messi transfer saga top of list

Use the academy

Arguably the greatest side in the history of club football was the Barcelona team which dominated the sport from 2009 to 2011.

That side, managed by Koeman’s former team-mate Pep Guardiola, was littered with stars from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, and there are likely more hidden gems amongst Barca’s current B-team.

Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Pero and Messi all won multiple Champions Leagues and La Liga titles together, having come through the Barcelona youth ranks previously.

It’s now up to Koeman to find the next crop of stars, just like Guardiola and compatriot Frank Rijkaard did before him.

Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig have already shown flashes of brilliance and there’s more to come from the youth ranks.

source: express.co.uk