Real Madrid once again demonstrate that they are light years ahead of FC Barcelona and its Masia

Real Madrid are not doing things right with their youth squad. One of their best talents has his days numbered in the Merengue team. We are talking about Nico Paz, the 19-year-old midfielder who will make the jump from Castilla to the first division of European football, due to the competition he has to shine in Carlo Ancelotti's squad.

There are already several teams interested in his services. One of them is Como 1907 from Italy, a team that returned to Serie A this season under the direction of Cesc Fabregas and that is ahead of other clubs. There has also been talk of LaLiga entities such as Girona or Alavés, although there is still no clear offer from any of them and the amount for which the operation would be closed is not known either.

Paz has been categorized for years as one of the greatest promises to emerge from the Merengue youth squad in recent years. He has even played in some of Ancelotti's first team matches, although not enough for a player who is still developing. Therefore, both parties agree that separating their paths is the best option. This was made clear by the journalist, Fabrizio Romano, who commented that the Merengue club would keep an option to buy him back for the next few years, in case they want him back.

Is Real Madrid's youth academy failing?

The midfielder will not be the only one from the youth academy to say goodbye this summer. Mario Martín will also make the jump to another LaLiga team after not being able to secure a place in the Italian coach's squad. In the case of the Spaniard, his possible destination will be Valladolid. This creates a wide contrast between the schools of the Merengue team and FC Barcelona, ​​which could not be more different.

In recent years, Madrid has stood out for developing great talents, but has dedicated itself to selling them to the highest bidder at the first opportunity. By focusing on a first team where only the best stars of world football arrive, it is extremely difficult for a youngster to make a place for himself in such a competitive team. While this is not entirely negative, it is certainly a failure at a sporting level because if you are so sure of the talent you have available, why not give him the opportunity? How long has it been since we saw a star from the reserve team shine at the Bernabéu?

Something completely different happens with Barcelona. In the Ciudad Condal, youngsters arrive with enthusiasm and the hope of knowing that sooner rather than later they could have their chance to earn a place in the first team. We have seen this clearly in recent years with players like Eric García, Ansu Fati and Alejandro Baldé. And, of course, with the emergence of Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. All trained at La Masia and with a clear future in the culé team.

There is no doubt that the production of talent by the Blaugrana club generates a huge advantage in the medium and long term with respect to its bitter rival, since they will always have a player at La Masia ready to shine for the Catalan team. On the other hand, Madrid depends exclusively on its stars, who, although they are young, can cause headaches for Ancelotti when an injury or suspension occurs. Without a doubt, Barcelona is one step ahead when it comes to youth teams.