LaLiga Santander's young stars to watch in 2022

Tight budgets and a financial crisis in Spanish football following the COVID-19 outbreak have forced several LaLiga Santander sides to offer more playing to young prodigies so far this season.

Unable to sign players due to LaLiga's financial controls, Barcelona have already given the nod to several academy products, while teams such as Athletic Club and Real Sociedad have been hailed about their insistence on homegrown players

These are three young LaLiga Santander stars to look out for in 2022

Gavi - Barcelona

Having made his first-team debut back in August, Gavi has already established himself into both Barcelona's and Spain's starting line-ups.

The 17-year-old midfielder has already played 22 games for the Blaugrana in 2021/22 and has impressed in a midfield that also features fellow academy product Nico Gonzalez.

While Pedri was the player to win both the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy in 2021, his Barcelona teammate is one of the main candidates to receive both awards in 2022.

Nico Williams- Athletic Club

Regarded as one of the most talented prodigies in this Athletic Club squad this season, Inaki Williams' brother has managed to earn more playing time this season due to his mature displays despite his 19 years of age.

Nico has featured in 19 LaLiga Santander games, starting in six of them and coming off the bench 13 times. Williams is the first youngster to debut under coach Marcelino, who appears to be fond of the prodigious winger's virtues.

Fran Garcia - Rayo Vallecano

Having started in all his team's 18 LaLiga Santander games so far this season, the tireless 22-year-old left-back is one of players who stands out for fourth-placed Rayo Vallecano.

No Rayo player has played more minutes than Garcia in 2021/22 and it would be anything but surprising if a wealthier LaLiga team moves for him in summer.

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