From the US Tour to their first team debuts

Ernesto Valverde made several roatations to his starting XI for FC Barcelona's game against Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey, and also handed debuts to three players from Barça B. Miranda, Chumi and Jorge Cuenca made their first official appearance for the first team, although they have trained regularly with the senior squad and undertook the preseason tour of the USA with them. Here is some more information about the trio, who are ones to watch for the future.

Three defenders familiar with the Barça style

18-year-old Juan Miranda joined Barça in 2014 from Real Betis. During his time in the formative ranks at the club, he has won league titles with the Under-16s and Under-19s A and B teams, as well as lifting the UEFA Youth League trophy last season.

The Andalusian defender is also the youngest player to feature for the Spain Under-16s (aged 14) and the first player born in the year 2000 to debut in the Segunda División. His contract with Barça runs until 2021, with a 200 million euro buyout clause.

Juan Brandáriz Movilla ‘Chumi’ came to Barça as an Under-16 player, but would quickly be moved up to the next level. He played the last two two seasons for the Under-19s A team, winning two league titles and the UEFA Youth League. Chumi has a 100 million euro buyout clause and a contract through to 2020, and is training frequently with the first team to cover for the injured Thomas Vermaelen.

Jorge Cuenca was signed as an Under-19s player from Alcorcón in 2017. He had played five Segunda División games for the Madrid-based club before his arrival, and has added Under-19s caps for Spain and the UEFA Youth League to his resúmé. His contract is a two-year deal with an option for a further three, and his buyout clause is 30 million euros.