Barcelona can’t allow Ilaix Moriba to leave, says Barca B coach

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 17 May 2021 17:27 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona B coach Francisco Garcia Pimienta says that the club must do everything in their power to keep wonderkid Ilaix Moriba.

Moriba has emerged as one of the most heralded teenagers in European football in 2021 after breaking into the Barcelona senior setup.

The 18-year-old has played five times recently for Ronald Koeman’s side, scoring two goals and impressing onlookers.

He was promoted from Pimienta’s Barcelona B team after starring for the second side, but there are concerns among fans as Moriba’s contract expires in 2022.

“The club must make an effort to retain Ilaix,” Pimienta pleaded.

“Ilaix is ​​doing very well, he represents a success for us. When you are in a subsidiary and you are training players with the aim that many reach the first team, if that happens then I am the happiest person in the world.

“We try to train players so they make it to the first team. These players [from La Masia] have the Barça heart, they want to be first-team players and it will be easier for a player from here to stay than players who come from abroad.”

What Barcelona players from La Masia are impressing?

Moriba is not the only La Masia graduate to impress this season.

Pedri, 18, has emerged as a regular first-team player, while Ansu Fati started the campaign fantastically before suffering a serious injury.

Meanwhile, another exciting young talent, Gavi, made his full debut for Barcelona B against Espanyol B on Sunday.