adminMADRID. — One thing that has stood out during the early stages of Luis Enrique’s stint as Barcelona coach is the faith he is placing in recent graduates from the club’s famed “La Masia” academy.
At least in the opening weeks of the season, Luis Enrique is relying on home-grown talent more than his predecessor Gerardo Martino did and the latest to be given their debut in the first team was 19-year-old midfielder Sergi Samper.
Samper, who has been with the club since the age of six, played the whole of Wednesday night’s 1-0 Champions League Group F victory at home to Apoel, taking the central holding role typically occupied by the rested Sergio Busquets.
Samper turned in an assured performance against the Cypriot champions, completing 98 of 107 attempted passes and winning the ball back nine times.
“I felt comfortable,” he told Barca’s TV channel.
“Playing with these players everything is easier,” he added.
“I am very pleased to be here and grateful for the confidence shown in me. It is priceless.” — Soccernet.
Online Reporter