Alejandro Balde can rest easy: he has a replacement at La Masia. This is what Jaume Marcet, an expert on the Barça youth academy and a regular contributor to Catalonian media, has to say. Marcet has once again highlighted FC Barcelona's ability to feed its main team with players from La Masia.
He specifically mentions Jofre Torrents as one of the brightest prospects on the left flank. In his recent article in newspaper Sport, Marcet points out that Jofre Torrents from the Juvenil A is a big deal. With Alejandro Balde consolidated in the main team, Barça shows once again that its commitment to the youth division remains firm.
Alejandro Balde has a Replacement and Barça Beats Real Madrid
At 17, Jofre Torrents has overcome a serious knee injury that kept him out of action last season. However, he's returned stronger and with a better mindset, which has impressed his coaches. So far this season, he's been a key player in the Juvenil A team.
He's stood out in matches such as those against Young Boys and Zaragoza. According to Marcet, Jofre has qualities that position him as a very interesting alternative for the future of the first team. He highlights his style of play, speed and ability to join the offense.
The case of Torrents contrasts with Fran García's situation at Real Madrid. Despite having arrived with high expectations, the left-back has barely had any minutes. It doesn't seem that he will become a starting option for Carlo Ancelotti.
This contrast underlines the difference with the philosophy of the academy, with Barça clearly betting on young talents from home, while at Madrid, players such as Fran García are struggling to find their place.
In terms of style, Jofre Torrents has earned praise not only for his agility and technique, but also for his ability to make intelligent decisions in attack and defense. If he continues to progress the way he has so far, it's very likely that Barça's left flank will be in good hands for many years to come. Balde at present and Torrents as his natural successor, Deco shouln't be worried about this position.
This approach by Barça not only ensures the continuity of its own style, but also reinforces its identity as a training club. Unlike Real Madrid, where some players such as Fran García fail to establish themselves in the first team, at Barça there's a clear path for talents such as Torrents.