Barcelona are turning to their academy more than Europe's other top clubs

Barcelona are relying on their academy more than ever this season, and it's a trend that will likely continue with the return of Xavi to the club as coach.The legendary Blaugrana midfielder is back from cutting his coaching teeth in Qatar and, having risen through the ranks himself as a boy, he is keenly aware of the quality that exists in the famed La Masia football school.

That talent might have come through anyway, but it's even more likely to show its head this campaign given the club's perilous financial situation that all but prevents them making any external signings - aside from cut-price additions like Dani Alves, for example.

Fortunately for Xavi there is an existing nucleus to work from, with four youngsters making their debuts already this season - Gavi, Nico Gonzalez, Abde Ezzalzouli and Alejandro Balde.

Alvaro Sanz has been in and around the squad too and could get his opportunity under Xavi.

It's a huge number when compared to some of European football's other elite teams, with Real Madrid giving just one graduate a debut - Sergio Santos - and Atletico Madrid none.

It's a similar story elsewhere, with Trevor Chalobah the only new youth prospect to make a breakthrough at Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain's Nathan Bitumazala the only one to get minutes under Mauricio Pochettino.

Barcelona's crop are not just on the fringe, though, with Gavi and Nico in particular racking up 12 starts between them so far this term.

Balde has played three times, but even that could've been more if he hadn't been out injured.

Plus, Inaki Pena and Arnau Tenas have also travelled regularly with the first team.

There has been a lot of doom and gloom around Barcelona in the last 18 months, but that bleak economic outlook could be a blessing in disguise if these new stars are the by-product.

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