The B-list who bring their A game to Barcelona

SEVEN graduates of Barcelona’s famous La Masia youth academy are likely to line out tonight against Manchester United at Wembley — an incredible achievement in an era of big-money transfers.

But one of the key cogs in Barca’s smooth production line is often overlooked — the club’s team in Liga Adelante — Spain’s second tier.

While the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal rely on the Carling Cup or loan spells to groom young talent, Barcelona can indoctrinate the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro in the ways of tika-taka in the shadow of the Nou Camp — the reserves play their games in the 16,000 capacity Mini Estadi, right alongside their senior counterparts.

And this season Barca B have shone, at times almost as brightly as the Pep Guardiola’s men.

Last week they travelled across town for a local derby with Girona, winning 2-0 and moved into fourth place in a division led by Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano.

This despite Pep pinching seven of the usual reserves to fill in for his rested stars in the final La Liga win over Malaga. Defender Marc Bartra scored on his debut.

Barca B can’t be promoted — Spanish regulations won’t allow it. But the side coached by Luis Enrique — off to Roma next season — gain invaluable experience playing seasoned sides like Betis and Celta Vigo.

Crowds in the division are much bigger than those that attend reserve team football in England and the media interest prepares young stars for the glare of the big-time.

Of the La Liga sides, Villarreal are the only other club to have a B team in the second level, although Real Madrid and Seville could be promoted next week. The rewards, for now, are modest, by professional football standards. Barca B players earn roughly €150,000 a year. But with the club’s peerless record of bringing young players through the racks, the carrot of the Champions League is tantalisingly close.