Top five youngest squads in La Liga in the 2021-22 season

These teams have some of the best youngsters in world football.

La Liga has always had some of the best talents in world football. The league has always paid attention on developing young stars. Several teams focus on their youth academies for the next superstar rather than spending huge amounts of money. Barcelona and Real Madrid have two of the best academies in world football. Meanwhile, teams like Athletic Club only feature home-grown players. This has led to a lot of youngsters breaking through into the first-team.

The 2021-22 La Liga season has been no different. Several young stars with huge potential have broken through and made their mark. Many of them are now established as first-team regulars. Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Valencia have all given opportunities to up-and-coming players.

So, Let’s have a look at the top five youngest squads in La Liga

5. Getafe

The Madrid side have the fifth-youngest squad in La Liga at the moment. The Azulones have experienced a difficult season so far. But, they have kept faith in young talent. This is now paying dividends.

Getafe had to wait till the 12th gameweek to get their first win. However, the Madrid club have gone on a decent run of results since then. This has allowed them to climb out of the relegation zone.

Enes Unal, Carles Alena and Jorge Cuenca are some of the star performers for the club this season. Unal is the league’s second-highest goalscorer. Getafe have an average squad age of 26.5 years.

4. Athletic Bilbao

The Basque outfit have always put faith in young players. Their first-team only features players from the Basque region. Despite this limitation, the club have always performed well in the league. This season is not different as well.

Bilbao have an average squad age of 26.2 years. The Los Leones are eight in La Liga and fighting for a European spot. They also find themselves at the business end of the Copa del Rey.

Unai Simon, Nico Williams and Jokin Ezkieta are some of the youngsters that have impressed this season. They along with veterans like Iker Muniain have been the reason behind the club’s success.

3. FC Barcelona

The Blaugrana are one of the biggest clubs in the world. But, recent financial difficulties have limited their spending power. This has forced the club to provide more opportunities to academy players. And after initial struggles, it is starting to work in their favour.

Several youngsters have broken through at Barcelona in the past couple of years. Pedri, Gavi, Nico Gonzalez, Riqui Puig and Ronald Araujo are some of them. This has reduced the average age of the Catalan squad considerably.

Xavi has some quality youngsters at his disposal. The Spaniard is starting to implement his ideas after arriving in mid-season. Barcelona are now beginning to produce results. They are in the Champions League places and have qualified for the Europa League Round of 16. The team’s average age is 25.2 years.

2. Real Sociedad

La Real are one of the clubs in Spain focusing on home-grown players. They have a strong Basque contingent in the squad, coupled with foreign stars. However, their youth academy features only Basque players.

This policy has again worked well for the club. Real Sociedad are fighting for the Champions League places. Young players along with experienced members have been crucial in La Real’s form this season.

Alex Isak, Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino have shined this season. All of them are under 25 and have been at the club for a few years. The average age of the Real Sociedad squad is 25.1 years.

1. Valencia

Despite having a wealthy owner, Los Che have focused on emerging talents. The club have a history of developing young players into superstars. David Villa, Juan Mata and David Silva are examples of that.

This season the club have been more attentive towards younger stars. Valencia have the youngest La Liga squad this season, with an average age of 24.7. Bryan Gill, Carlos Soler and Goncalo Guedes are some of the young stars.

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