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      in Soccer

      How Newcastle could line-up under Eddie Howe including Niklas Sule from Bayern Munich with boss set to take over today

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      EDDIE HOWE is close to taking charge of Newcastle as he finalises his paperwork.The ex-Bournemouth boss could take over at St James’ Park as soon as today having been out of work since leaving the Cherries last year.

      Eddie Howe is set to become Newcastle’s next managerCredit: Getty
      And the 43-year-old is primed to take over at Newcastle imminently.
      The new manager will be guaranteed money to spend in a bid to turn Newcastle into the next Premier League force.
      And the transfer rumours have been swirling in ever since the £300m takeover last month.
      Manchester United duo Jesse Lingard and Donny van de Beek have both been linked with the Toon side.
      Both Red Devils are looking for more playing time and assurances over their long-term future at the club.
      And both fit the bill as new signings to add quality to Newcastle’s midfield.
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      Howe worked with Callum Wilson at Bournemouth and the English striker could lead the line along with Allan Saint-Maximin.
      Reports also say that Newcastle are considering a move for German World Cup winner Toni Kroos.
      And another German star, 26-year-old defender Niklas Sule, is also on the Toon transfer radar.
      Two other defenders Howe could bring in are ex-Bournemouth stars Tyrone Mings and Jefferson Lerma.
      Lerma became Howe’s most expensive signing at the Cherries when he was signed from Levante for £25million.
      Chelsea’s Reece James scores stunning double for 0-3 victory over Newcastle More

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      Former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie names the six best players he has played with, with four being Man Utd legends

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      ROBIN VAN PERSIE named the six best players he played with in his career – and four of them were Manchester United legends.The former Arsenal captain, who spent his last three seasons in England at Old Trafford, retired from football at the age of 35.
      Robin van Persie has named four Man Utd legends among six best players he ever played withCredit: AFP
      Van Persie, now 38, controversially moved to Manchester in 2012 having rejected a contract extension offer from Arsenal.
      He then went on to win the Premier League title in his first season at Old Trafford.
      And the Dutch hotshot seemingly has fond memories from his time in the red half of Manchester, naming four Red Devils stars among best players he shared the pitch with.
      When asked to pick his most talented team-mate, he told BBC Sport: “So difficult to name one.
      “I would go for Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy.”

      Van Nisterlooy in fact left Old Trafford in 2006 – long before Van Persie joined United.
      But the two strikers played together for Holland, earning 172 caps and bagging 85 goals between them.
      The former Arsenal skipper also labelled former Red Devils duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand as the best two defenders he ever faced.
      Following a three-year spell at Fenerbahce, Van Persie moved back to his homeland to end his career at boyhood club Feyenoord, where he is now coach under Dick Advocaat.
      And he claims he could have stayed at Old Trafford for one more season back in 2015 as he still had one year left on his contract.
      But the striker decided to ‘move on’ when then-United coach Louis van Gaal made it crystal clear he was not in his plans.
      The Dutch forward fired Manchester United to the title in his first year at the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Van Persie said: “Because I had one more year on my deal, maybe I should have stayed.
      “But then Van Gaal was the coach and he made it quite clear what his intentions were.
      “Then you have to make a decision: Do you stay and fight for your place?
      “Would it be an honest competition or not? Based on all that info, we decided to move on.
      “But three years is not three days, it’s still a long period, it’s still a big part of my football career, and in total 11 years of football in England… as a kid I would never have dreamed of that.”

      Robin van Persie scores superb free-kick for Feyenoord against PEC Zwolle More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul trolls Canelo Alvarez with impression of pound-for-pound star as he tries to goad him into fight

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      JAKE PAUL goaded Canelo Alvarez with an impression of the pound-for-pound boxing star. YouTuber Paul, who is 4-0 as a boxer, has called out the four-division champion in the past.
      Canelo Alvarez discussing YouTuber Jake Paul
      Jake Paul goaded Canelo Alvarez by impersonating him
      And he even set an audacious target of trying to fight Canelo in just three year’ time.
      Alvarez was once more quizzed about Paul back in October.
      Asked by FightHype if he would ever face the social media sensation, he replied: “We don’t know, you can never say never. We’ll see in the future.”
      Canelo also said Paul would need to do ‘a lot of things’ before they could ever fight.
      Paul later capitalised on the interview as he mimicked Alvarez and mimed the Mexican’s words.
      The American celebrity is coming off the biggest win of his career, a points decision over eight rounds against ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 39.

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      It followed knockouts over online rival ‘AnEsonGib’, former NBA player Nate Robinson and retired UFC fighter Ben Askren, both 37.
      Canelo, 31, was joined by former UFC champion Conor McGregor, 33, on Paul’s boxing ‘hit-list’.
      But MMA trainer Javier Mendez – who coached Khabib Nurmagomedov to victory over McGregor in 2018 – warned Paul against fighting Alvarez.
      Mendez told Betway Insider: “Jake has got so many advantages on Conor.
      “Size being one of the big major ones, and the fact that he’s been boxing for three plus years with really good boxing professionals that know what they’re doing.
      “So no, he shouldn’t have to fear Conor whatsoever. Instead, he has to fear people like Canelo. He would just smash him in one round, it would be embarrassing.
      “He hasn’t got a chance against those kinds of guys, he really should stay away from him – but against Conor, absolutely he has a chance.” More

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane admits he never warmed to team-mates Rooney and Ferdinand and had a bust-up over X Factor

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      ROY KEANE revealed he never warmed to Wayne Rooney in the Manchester United dressing room.The former Irish hardman said he did not get the England striker or team-mate Rio Ferdinand’s banter – and did not miss them after he left the Red Devils.
      Manchester United legend Roy Keane claimed he never warmed to Wayne Rooney or Rio Ferdinand
      Keane, 50, reckoned he was not on the same wavelength as Roo, who is 14 years his junior.
      And that was highlighted during their playing days on a trip to Newcastle where the night before in the hotel Keane was watching rugby league on the TV before Rooney changed channel to watch the X Factor and hid the remote control.
      Roo – who retired from playing to become permanent Derby manager – claimed later it led to an argument between the pair and Keane respected him for standing up to him.
      But Keane, speaking on Sky Sports’ The Football Show said: “We certainly didn’t have an argument, let me tell you.
      “I like my rugby league and yeah, someone did change the channel and I wasn’t happy.
      “But we didn’t have an argument about it. I came down for breakfast the next day and Wayne said ‘Did you find the control?’
      “So I told him where to go. If that’s an argument, god help us. I certainly didn’t respect Wayne because he stood up to me and wanted to watch the X Factor.
      “I had a lot of respect for Wayne because I thought he was a brilliant player.

      “I wouldn’t say I warmed to the guy, I certainly didn’t dislike him. But the lad’s on a different wavelength, different banter and if hiding the control was his type of banter then… not for me.”
      Keane made 480 appearances for United in 12 years, but he said: “Near the end I remember thinking I don’t get some of the boys.
      “I don’t get their banter or humour. I rarely had a conversation with anyone.
      “When I left there were a lot of players I didn’t miss. The game was changing and maybe I was a bit grumpy, a bit old school.
      “I didn’t get Wayne or Rio, I didn’t get their banter or what they stood for sometimes. It was probably a personal thing.
      “The game was changing and I had changed with it but towards the end at United with the players coming through I didn’t always get them.
      “Personality-wise they were not for me. Obviously they were very good players and I was delighted to play with them but in terms of banter or having a cup of coffee with them? No forget it.”
      Keane played with Rooney at Old Trafford between 2004-2005Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Roy Keane reveals he once had a fight with Peter Schmeichel in a hotel – leaving Sir Alex Ferguson fuming More

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      in Boxing

      Watch Canelo Alvarez and his thunderous speed and power on pads as Mexican P4P king prepares for Caleb Plant showdown

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      CANELO ALVAREZ gave Caleb Plant a warning about his incredible speed and power in a video recorded during a training session.The pound-for-pound king, who takes on the American in a big-money super-middleweight title unification bout on Saturday, showed off his skills in a clip in August that will serve as a reminder that Plant won’t have an easy ride.
      Canelo Alvarez showed off his blistering speed and power in a workout with coach Eddy ReynosoCredit: INSTAGRAM@CANELO
      The Mexcian mauler prepares to unload nasty body shotsCredit: INSTAGRAM@CANELO
      Early negotiations over the showdown collapsed late July, much to the disappointment of boxing fans around the world.
      But, talks were eventually successful and the fight happens on November 6.
      The collapse of the bout didn’t stop Canelo from working hard in the gym with coach Eddy Reynoso.
      The Mexican shared a video of himself going through offensive and defensive drills with his countryman to his Instagram page.
      Canelo showed blistering hand speed as he cracked the pads and blocked his coach’s returning shots.
      The 31-year-old’s shuddering power was also on display as he mixed in vicious power left hooks with his fast straight punches.
      After finishing off the drill with a nasty hook, Reynoso told Canelo, ‘Eso bien’, which means ‘that’s good’ in English.

      Boxing fans were blown away by the unified 168lb champ’s speed and ferocity, with one saying: “Frightening.”
      Another said: “Trains like a man who doesn’t know how much $ he has in the bank, crazy, relentless hunger.”
      And another: ‘There’s a reason he’s the goat, drilling the basics almost religiously.”
      One remarked: “Monster at work.’
      Canelo – real name Saul Alvarez – was originally due to face Plant in Las Vegas on September 18.
      The undefeated Plant blamed the collapse of the mouthwatering bout on the Mexican mauler, telling ESPN: “Canelo was offered the highest guarantee of his career.
      I question whether legacy or money is their real motiveCaleb Plant on the collapse of his showdown with Canelo
      “He was set to make $40 million plus Mexican TV rights and his Hennessy Sponsorship.
      “No problem, let’s fight. We gave it to him, then they wanted upside of gate and PPV revenue; no problem, let’s rumble.
      “It was always agreed that it was a [title] unification; no rematch for either fighter.
      “Towards the end of negotiations they asked for a rematch when they lose, no problem, you can have the rematch as well, I just wanna fight.
      “I question whether legacy or money is their real motive.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend John Terry told ex boss Antonio Conte to leave him out of squad for entire final season to give Ake a run

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      JOHN TERRY has revealed he told Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to leave him out of the squad for entirety of his final season – in order to give Nathan Ake a chance.JT was itching to see the Dutch youngster, 21 at the start of the 2016-17 campaign, given a chance at Stamford Bridge, even if it meant sacrificing his own minutes.
      Terry told Conte to drop him from the squad in order to give Ake a chance
      Speaking with snooker legend Stephen Hendry on an Instagram Live Q&A, Terry revealed he told Conte to give Ake the senior match-day experience, even if it was watching from the bench.
      But Ake only played four times all season and was sold to Bournemouth in the summer after Terry’s retirement, having spent the first half of the season on loan on the South Coast.
      Chelsea did go on to win the Premier League that season, with a back-three of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill.
      Looking back at his final season in West London, Terry said: “I went to see [Conte] around Christmas time.
      “I was like ‘gaffer, listen you’re putting me on the bench and we’ve got Nathan Ake’, who for me was an unbelievably talented young player.
      “I said ‘put him on the bench because the chances of him coming on are really slim, it’s going to be great experience for him’.
      “‘He was on the bench for about seven, eight or ten games, and he ended up playing against Spurs in the [FA Cup] semi-final that year.
      “And it was just little stuff like that. I’m not sure players would have done what I did.”

      Ake ultimately played just four times for Chelsea in 2016-17, including the FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham.
      But he was sold to Bournemouth for £20million as Terry quit the club to join Aston Villa, where he is now assistant manager.
      Ake, now 26, has gone on to receive international recognition with Holland and signed for Manchester City in a £40million deal in 2020.
      Pedro combines with Chelsea teammates to score a cracker of a goal in training More

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      Son Heung-min boasts incredible £1.5million car collection, including ultra-rare £1m Ferrari LaFerrari

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      SON HEUNG-MIN is not the sort of player you would associate with spending a load of dosh on one of the world’s most exclusive cars.The Tottenham hero, 29, is unassuming and usually happy to let his boots do the talking.
      Heung-min Son has built up an amazing £1.5million car collection
      But the £110,000-a-week forward has a fleet of motors worth a staggering £1.5million.
      And pride of place in his garage in North London is a rare supercar available to just a few people.Ferrari LaFerrari
      Only 499 of these incredible cars have been made – and Son has one of them.
      But he ditched the usual red for black because Spurs told him he could not own a red one due to their rivalry with Arsenal.
      Worth around £1,150,000, even a Premier League footballer earning top whack would have to save up for a while to be able to afford it.
      Son stops in his Ferrari LaFerrari to sign a shirt for a fan
      Only 499 of the Ferrari supercars were made and potential purchasers must meet strict criteriaCredit: Alamy
      The most powerful street-legal supercar the Italian manufacturer has produced, buyers must fit in with the Ferrari brand.
      That means that, to purchase one, they must previously have owned a Ferrari – with some reports claiming potential buyers won’t be considered unless they have had FIVE Ferraris in their life.
      Son’s black model does 0-60mph in 2.9 secs and boasts a 6.3-litre V12 engine, electrically assisted by the HY-KERS system to deliver a total power output of 950bhp, with a top speed of 227mph.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has one sitting at home as well.
      Audi R8 Coupe
      The South Korea star was spotted with ex-girlfriend Minah, a pop sensation in their native country, getting behind the wheel of his white R8 in 2014.
      Son is the proud owner of a sleek Audi R8Credit: Handout
      Starting at £112,520 for the most basic model, Son is almost certain to have added a few luxuries to his.
      The 5.2L V10 engine packs an almighty punch and the sleek design turns heads – if you’re quick enough to see it whizz past when it does 0-60mph in 3.2 secs.Maserati Levante
      Son is the proud owner of Maserati’s first SUV, which has a starting price of £60,000.
      But there’s a catch.
      The Spurs star poses with his Maserati Levante
      Son is so popular in his home country that he was actually given the model by the Italian manufacturer as a gift.
      A statement from Korea’s official Maserati importer said they gifted the ex-Leverkusen man the motor because it “might be the most matching vehicle to Son, who can play with delicacy and unstoppable power”.
      Hard to argue with that.
      Although it is not the only 4×4 Son has…Range Rover
      The staple of the Premier League footballers’ diet, Son would not miss out on the chance to land a Range Rover.
      He has done his up in a classy matte black finish – a custom touch that also sees the tailgate script, grille and side vents finished in gloss black.
      Son keeps up the traditions of Premier League footballers by owning a Range RoverCredit: The Sun
      Son waves from the front seat of his 4x4Credit: Instagram

      The Evoque model starts at around £31,000.
      Though Son’s version likely cost a lot more with the extras he has, which include red seats and red trim on the steering wheel.Bentley Continental GT
      Son owns a Bentley Continental GT
      Another favourite of footballers, Son forked out around £160,000 for this supercar.
      It comes packing a 6L twin-turbocharged W12 engine which sees it do 0-60mph in 4.3 secs and can reach 198mph top speed – which could come in handy when he’s running late for training.
      Son Heung-min is unveiled as Ralph Lauren’s face of Wimbledon 2021 as Tottenham star poses in posh outfit More

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      Top 25 Barcelona youth players from La Masia academy, including Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Mauro Icardi

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      IN 1979, Barcelona decided they wanted a steady stream of homegrown talents to one day blossom in their first team.They launched their now famed La Masia (Catalan for ‘The Farmhouse’), a state-of-the-art academy designed to train youngsters the Barça way, and has since produced a slew of top-class footballers.
      Lionel Messi (in the mask), Cesc Fabregas (back row, second right) and Gerard Pique (back row, third left) are Barcelona youth productsCredit: PA:Press Association
      They were schooled at Barcelona’s famous La Masia AcademyCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      Many have gone on to become legends at the club, while others have slipped away and grown at pastures new.
      Here are their best 25 best academy trainees.
      25. ALEX GRIMALDO
      The Spanish left-back is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football at the moment.
      Currently starring at Benfica, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham.
      Barcelona let him go for £1.5million in 2015, without playing a game in the first team.
      Originally, he was plucked from Valence in 2008 – spending four years with the Catalans until he was sold.
      Alex Grimaldo has made his name at BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      24. DANI OLMO
      Olmo is the most recent promising youngster that left Spain for a new challenge.
      The Spanish 21-year-old midfielder, who moved in January 2020 to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, arrived at La Masia aged just nine.

      But in a surprising move, Olmo decided to leave Barça when he turned 16 and signed for Dinamo Zagreb.
      Barcelona were rumoured to be looking at bringing him back to Catalonia before he moved to Germany.
      He has since starred in the Bundesliga and is a regular in the Spain squad.
      Dani Olmo gambled with his career leaving Barcelona aged 16 for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      23. NAYIM
      Arsenal fans won’t want to be reminded of Nayim’s most famous moment in his career.
      But before he was lobbing David Seaman from the halfway line, he was a young hopeful at La Masia.
      He joined Barcelona aged 12 – leaving his hometown Cueta.
      But his chances were limited in a team that was managed by Terry Venables.
      He later joined the former Three Lions boss at Spurs.
      Former La Masia product Nayim scored the winner the Cup Winners’ Cup final against ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      22. LUIS GARCIA
      The former Liverpool midfielder had two spells with Barcelona.
      First as a 12-year-old youth player, where he starred in their reserve team.
      But having failed to break into the first team, he was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2002.
      However, after impressing with Atletico, Barcelona exercised a clause in Garcia’s contract to buy him back a season later.
      Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez moved for the playmaker in 2004 – having had him at Tenerife on loan in 2000-01.
      Luis Garcia had two spells at Barcelona but never made the gradeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      21. ANDRE ONANA
      Another surprise, in-demand Ajax keeper Andre Onana had a spell at Barcelona from 2010-15.
      He joined the club after starting out at the Samuel Eto’o Academy, but failed to make the grade there.
      Five years ago he signed for the Dutch giants, and has since become their No1.
      He was suspended for 12 months for a doping violation, returning to first team training on November 4.
      In-demand Andre Onana had five years at La Masia before moving to AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      20. ALBERT FERRER
      It was right-back Ferrer’s dream to play for Barcelona – having grown up in the city.
      And he appeared in 221 La Liga games during nine seasons with his boyhood club, after he was signed as a 13-year-old.
      In 1998 he moved to Premier League with Chelsea in a £2.2m deal, where he retired aged 33.
      Albert Ferrer was a local lad who got to represent his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      19. PEPE REINA
      The son of former Barcelona goalkeeper Miguel Reina, Pepe was always destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, and from 1999 he was playing for their reserve side in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid.
      Reina was never more than an understudy at the Camp Nou, and was told he could leave in 2002.
      Pepe Reina was surplus to requirements to Barcelona in 2002 after being an understudy for yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      18. GUILLERMO AMOR
      Benidorm-born Amor became one of Barcelona’s most important players under Cruyff in the 1990s.
      He joined La Masia in 1980 – winning five league titles and a European Cup.
      With Barcelona in his blood, it is unsurprising he is now responsible for the club’s youth system.
      Former youth product Amor now manages Barcelona’s youth set-upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      17. HECTOR BELLERIN
      The Arsenal full-back might speak like a cockney, but he’s Barcelona through and through.
      Bellerin was also eight when he joined the club – but after eight years at La Masia he moved to the Gunners.
      He was vice-captain of the Premier League giants, until moving back to LaLiga with Real Betis on loan.
      His Arsenal career looks all but over now.
      Hector Bellerin left Barcelona for Arsenal and played against his old side several timesCredit: PA:Press Association
      16. SERGI
      The marauding Spanish left-back joined Barcelona in 1988, and went on to become a club legend – appearing 382 times and winning three league titles.
      He was handed his Barça debut by Cruyff in a heated Champions League match away at Galatasaray
      From then on, he became a mainstay before he was sold to Atletico Madrid. He hadn’t lost that nastiness that made him a tricky player to play against either – earning 33 yellow cards in his three seasons there.
      Sergi won three La Liga titles after coming through La MasiaCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      15. THIAGO MOTTA
      Barcelona never really saw the best of Motta.
      Like Pedro, he was signed late – aged 17 from local side Clube Atlético Juventus – and was assigned to the B side.
      He made his debut in 2001, but his time at Barcelona was robbed from him by a serious knee injury.
      Eventually, he found himself at Inter Milan, where Jose Mourinho got the best out of him – winning the Champions League in 2010.
      Thiago Motta never fulfilled his potential at BarçaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      14. IVAN DE LA PENA
      The hype around De La Pena, nicknamed “Little Buddha”, was immense when he was a teen.
      The child prodigy joined La Masia in 1991 from Racing Santander and initially looked to have a big future at the club.
      But fallouts with Cruyff and Van Gaal, who were frustrated with his work-rate, saw his progress curtailed and he had more success with city rivals Espanyol.
      De La Pena had fallouts with Johan Cruyff and Louis Van GaalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      13. ADAMA TRAORE
      Wolves winger Traore has finally shown the potential Barcelona youth managers believed he had.
      He joined the Spanish champions aged just eight, making his debut aged 17, but failed to break into the first team under managers Gerard Martino and Luis Enrique.
      The speedy winger then moved to England, and had an ill-fated spell at Aston Villa before rediscovering himself at Middlesbrough.
      Adama Traore moved to England to get first team footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      12. MIKEL ARTETA
      The Arsenal manager is best known for his time in the Premier League playing for both the Gunners and Everton.
      But before he made it in England, Arteta dreamt of becoming pro in San Sebastian playing football on the beaches with childhood friend Xabi Alonso.
      He joined Barcelona aged 15, but struggled to break into the first team – joining PSG on loan before starring at Glasgow Rangers and returning to play for Real Sociedad with Alonso.
      Mikel Arteta struggled to break into the Barcelona first team
      11. VICTOR VALDES
      Valdes is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history – having played 535 games and winning 21 major titles, including La Liga six times and three Champions League’s.
      But it looked like his time at the club had come to an end in 1995 when his family moved to Tenerife.
      However, Barça re-signed him and quickly progressed through the youth teams – making his debut aged 20.
      Victor Valdes left La Masia academy only to return three years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      10. PEDRO
      The ex-Chelsea winger was a late-comer when it came to joining La Masia.
      Pedro arrived from Canary Islands team CD San Isidro aged 17 in 2004.
      But soon, he became a key member of the first team once he was promoted by Pep Guardiola.
      In the 2018-19 season Pedro became the first player to score in six different club competitions during a single season and in the same year.
      Pedro was a late-comer to La Masia, joining aged 17Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      9. MAURO ICARDI
      Argentina striker Icardi had a spell at La Masia from 2008-11, after rejecting overtures from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But the goal poacher failed to show his class in Spain and was shipped out on loan to Sampdoria in 2011, which became a permanent move six months later for just £400,000.
      He has since become one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, boasting a remarkable goalscoring record.
      Icardi always stood by his decision to leave Barça, because it ultimately benefitted his career.
      Super poacher Mauro Icardi failed to impress at La MasiaCredit: FC Barcelona
      8. GERARD PIQUE
      Another one that got away, but returned to become a hero.
      Pique played in the same youth teams as Messi and Fabregas from 1997, although he was deployed as a defensive midfielder in his early years.
      Manchester United snapped him up in 2004 on a pro-contract, without having to pay a fee.
      In 2008, he returned to Catalonia for a fee of £5million and has gone on to play 531 times for the club, as well as bag a celebrity wife in Shakira.
      Pique returned to Barcelona after a spell at Man Utd and bagged a celebrity missus in ShakiraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      7. SERGIO BUSQUETS
      One-club man Busquets has become one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
      At youth level though he bounced around a few teams playing for the likes of Badia, Barbera Andalucia, Lleida, and Jàbac Terrassa, before settling at Barcelona in 2005,
      Guardiola promoted Busquets to his first team in 2008, but it’s his former international manager Vincente Del Bosque who provided this accurate quote about his abilities.
      He said: “If you watch the whole game, you won’t see Busquets – but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game.”
      Sergio Busquets has established himself as the best defensive midfielder of his generationCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. CESC FABREGAS
      Fabregas trained at La Masia for six years before making the bold move to Arsenal in 2003, believing his chances would be limited at the Nou Camp.
      With the Gunners he soon established himself into one of the Europe’s most promising players – replacing Patrick Vieira in the heart of their midfield, before eventually being named captain.
      In 2011 he returned to Barcelona for £35m, and in three seasons played 96 times for them before moving to Chelsea for £30m in 2014.
      Cesc won the World Cup and the Euros twice, and has been capped 110 times by Spain.
      Fabregas returned to Barcelona after making his name at ArsenalCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      5. PEP GUARDIOLA
      Johan Cruyff called him one of the best midfielders of his generation, and it’s hard to argue with that seeing he was a major influence in playing style of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
      Guardiola joined La Masia at 13, and within six years the deep-lying playmaker made his debut against Cadiz.
      In 1998 Louis van Gaal made him captain, but in 2001 he left for Serie A side Brescia after years of injury problems with a troublesome calf.
      Pep Guardiola became Barcelona captain after making it through their youth ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      4. CARLES PUYOL
      Arguably the most un-Barcelona-like player.
      But Puyol became a cult hero as an inspirational captain with his uncompromising style of defending.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, playing as a defensive midfielder before converting to full-back and then centre-half.
      But Puyol almost left the club three years later when Barça accepted an offer from Malaga after deeming him surplus to requirements.
      However, seeing Xavi getting a chance in the first team encouraged Puyol to stay, and the rest is history.
      Puyol became a cult figure at Barcelona but nearly left the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      3. ANDRES INIESTA
      Plucked from Albacete at the age of 12, Iniesta never looked back.
      He steadily climbed up the youth ranks, making his debut aged 18 in 2002.
      Iniesta would go on to become the most decorated Spanish footballer in history – winning 35 trophies, including nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Famously, he helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup – scoring the winner against Holland.
      Iniesta joined La Masia as a 12-year-oldCredit: Rex Features
      2. XAVI
      The greatest playmaker of his generation, and the embodiment of their tiki-taka passing style, Xavi joined La Masia at 10.
      At that age though it wasn’t Michael Laudrup he idolised, but in fact British-based stars like John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, and Matt Le Tissier.
      “I’ve been lucky enough to be brought up on the Barcelona ethos,” he once revealed.
      “Which has taught me the value of being part of a team. ‘Today for you, tomorrow for me.’ Those qualities are essential for life in general.”
      Xavi idolised Paul Gascoigne, Matt Le Tissier and John Barnes growing upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. LIONEL MESSI
      Without doubt the best youngster to come from Barcelona’s youth set-up, and the best to ever play for the club.
      Messi joined the LaLiga giants in 2001 from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, who he had trained with since the age of six.
      Realising they had such a prodigious talent on their hands, Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.
      However his love affair with the club came to an end in the summer and he moved to French giants PSG.
      Messi graduated from La Masia to become Barcelona’s greatest ever playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More