Barcelona’s La Masia graduates XI: Stars who now play elsewhere

Marc Muniesa (Stoke City) – Centre back
Another young star that was tipped for a long Barcelona career, before a knee injury cruelly wrecked his chances, Muniesa is now trying to prove himself again in the Premier League with Stoke City.

Although originally a centre back, the 22-year-old has been utilised mainly as a left back for the Potters, and has impressed under ex-Barca player Mark Hughes, despite being used sparingly since joining in 2013.

Jonathan dos Santos (Villarreal) – Defence midfield
Although arguably less talented than his older brother Giovani, the Mexican midfielder stayed 12 years at Barca up until this summer.

Dos Santos junior, 24, featured 28 times spread across five seasons for the Catalan club’s senior side, but was unable to challenge the likes of Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano, so now plays for Villarreal alongside his sibling.

Thiago Motta (PSG) – Centre midfield
Brazilian-born Italy international Motta, 32, started his professional career in Spain with Barca, playing in 139 senior games for them, but was later sold to Atletico Madrid after an injury-hit spell. He later had a successful stint with Serie A giants Inter Milan, before joining French side PSG, where he is a crucial member.

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) – Centre midfield
One of the most underrated players in this team, it is still hard to believe Arteta has yet to earn a cap for Spain. The 32-year-old spent five years with Barca as a youngster, but never made the first team.

Arteta, therefore, sought the shores of Britain, where he first turned out for then Scottish titans Rangers, before joining Everton, after a brief spell with Real Sociedad. He is now the current captain of Arsenal.

Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich) – Attacking midfield
Born in Italy to World Cup-winning former Brazil star Mazinho, Spain international Thiago, 23, is perhaps the best player in this XI. However, as has been the case with a few others we have mentioned, he has suffered heavily with knee injuries, but only after moving on from Barcelona this time.

Thiago was sold to German giants Bayern, after eight years with Barca, and will hope to overcome his fitness issues to avoid becoming a player who failed to live up to his promise. His younger brother Rafinha is still flying the Alcantara flag at Barcelona, though.

Isaac Cuenca (Deportivo La Coruna) – Right wing
A highly talented winger, who came through La Masia’s academy at such an unfortunate time, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Pedro and Alexis Sanchez ahead of him in that period. He did, however, manage to make 30 first team Barca appearances.

Cuenca, who has also suffered with knee issues during his career so far, was once linked with Liverpool, but now turns out for Deportivo.

Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal) – Left wing
Dos Santos senior is also a Mexico international, and was highly regarded during his six years with Barcelona. In his first season playing with the seniors, he made 28 La Liga appearances, and hit a hat-tick in his final game for the club, but was then sold to Spurs that summer, where his career took a nose dive.

The 25-year-old has had loan spells with Ipswich Town, Galatasaray and Racing Santander since, but is now resurrecting his career with Villarreal.

Bojan Krkic (Stoke City) – Striker
Bojan really was a player who was tipped for the top, after becoming Barcelona’s youngest ever player and breaking many more records along the way.

He made 163 appearances for Barca across four seasons, but it was clear his performances started to decline. Bojan was later sold to Roma before resigning again, but was immediately sent out on loan to Ajax, where he failed to really impress. Now, the 24-year-old plays alongside fellow former La Masia product Muniesa with Stoke, but has again flopped so far, failing to score in his first five games.