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Five La Liga Wonderkids

By on April 1, 2014

One unique thing about Spanish football is the amount of youth talent it produces, and after the financial problems of recent seasons the number is only increasing with the clubs being forced to turn to their academies. Here’s five every-catching starlets that have caught the eyes of many over the last season.

Fede Cartabia – Valencia

Fede Cartabia’s career has really taken off since the appointment of Juan Antonio Pizzi at Valencia. The Argentine midfielder has enjoyed a prolonged run in the first team and he has shown his talent of playing anywhere across the front of midfield. He may only be 5ft 6 inches, but he has that intelligence and skill needed by short player to make to the top of the game, and with the likes of Erik Lamela dropping off the radar, he may have a chance to make the Argentina squad over the next few years.

Santi Mina – Celta de Vigo

Currently holding the record as Celta Vigo’s youngest ever goalscorer in the top flight after scoring against Athletic Bilbao, Santi Mina, a Spain under-19 international, has played a cameo role in what was been successful season for Celta. His physique is somewhat similar to that of Lionel Messi’s and given he is listed as a forward he may be compared to the Argentine forward in future seasons. And if he continues to impress at Celta, he could be joining Messi at Barcelona.

Moi Gomez – Villarreal

Much of Villarreal’s incredible form this season can be pinned down to the impressive form of Moi Gomez. The 19-year-old is very much of the Spanish mold, small in stature but very strong technically. If he continues to perform at his current level, he may be in the running for the Spain under-21 squad for the 2015 Under-21 Championship.

Alberto Moreno – Sevilla

While many thought that Barcelona’s Jordi Alba had the left-back slot nailed down for the next ten years in the Spain squad, Alberto Moreno has come along and put a dent into that logic. One of the most explosive full-backs in La Liga, the Seville-born youngster is earning deserved plaudits at his local club. With two caps already to his name, he should be on the plane to Brazil as the reserve to the aforementioned Alba.

Rafinha – Barcelona/Celta de Vigo

Brother of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara and cousin of Benfica’s Rodrigo, Rafinha comes from a family full of footballing success. He looks set to continue that success after becoming one of the league’s most exciting youngsters at Celta de Vigo with his commendable wing-play. His creativity is shown in his stats, this season he has created 42 chances – three more than Ballon Do’r winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Eligible to play for both Brazil and Spain, expect there to be Diego Costa style warfare between the two countries if he continues to perform at the highest level.

About James Cartwright

Sports Journalism student - Long suffering Boro and Steelers fan.