‘When you are in bad condition, you have no other option’: Carvajal explains why Barca use so many academy players

In his latest interview, Dani Carvajal has been asked why Real Madrid don’t use as many academy players as Barcelona.

“The great explanation is how each club is financially. When you are not in a good condition, you have no option but to rely on the academy.

“Jude [Bellingham] was available on the market as one of the best players in the world, and if you can, you have to sign him.”

Surely Carvajal downplays the role of Barca’s academy here. Of course, there were times when we had to turn to La Masia due to financial issues or injuries (mainly from 2019 to 2021), but players like Lamine Yamal or Pau Cubarsi are here because they deserve it – they are actually one of the team’s best players right now.

It’s not just about finances. Blaugrana’s academy is generally more fruitful than Real Madrid’s and that should always be the case.