April 4 – FC Barcelona are one of the world leaders in giving first team minutes to young players, as the club continues to thrive despite a reduced transfer spend.
Barca are third in a ranking of Big 5 European clubs behind French Ligue 1 teams RC Strasbourg and Olympique Lyonnais.
The study by the CIES Football Observatory, ranks the highest percentage of minutes in domestic league matches played over the last 365 days, unveiling some of Europe’s strongest clubs’ reliance on academy youth.
The report reveals that 22% of FC Barcelona’s total match minutes were played by players under the age of 21, while 15% of match minutes were played by players under 20, marking a reliance on the club’s world-renowned La Masia academy to deliver top-flight ready players amidst FC Barcelona’s reduced presence in the transfer market.
Amongst a roster of young talent breaking through at the Catalan club, teenage sensations Yamine Lamal and Pau Cubarsi (pictured) have snatched the headlines with impressive displays, quickly becoming first team regulars despite their youth.
Leading the overall ranking, which spans 61 leagues around the world, are Ukraine’s Rukh Lviv, boasting an impressive 52.2% of minutes played by U21 players, followed closely by Slovakia’s MŠK Žilina at 44.5%.
The post sheds light on the top-performing clubs across Europe in various age categories, ranging from U19 to U23 players. Toulouse stands out as the leader in the U19 category, while Barcelona takes the spotlight for U20s, narrowly surpassing Brighton, who are known for their development of young talent. In the U21 and U22 age groups, Strasbourg emerge as the frontrunners, while Frosinone leads the U23 rankings, edging out Chelsea.
Amongst the findings, Chelsea’s lineup shows 43% of minutes played by U23 players, a clear nod to their transfer strategy of signing talented youth on long-term deals, which has yet to deliver sustained results.
Opting for a different and much less expensive approach, Ajax have leaned on their impressive academy structure to rebuild their crumbling season, as the study reveals almost one-third of minutes accounted for by players under 21-years-old.
The club began the season in catastrophic form but have since looked back to their old selves – propelled forward by academy talents Brian Brobbey (just turned 22) and Jorrel Hato (18), who have since been linked with moves to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.
Outside of Europe, standout performances include Adelaide United in Australia for U19 and U20 levels, Envigado in Colombia for U21 players, and Fortaleza CEIF for U22s and U23s.
To see the full data click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1713953217labto1713953217ofdlr1713953217owedi1713953217sni@g1713953217niwe.1713953217yrrah1713953217