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Riqui Puig: La Masia is the name of FC Barcelona’s youth academy, which is responsible for developing young players and training them in the techniques and philosophy of the club.
The academy is located at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training facility in Sant Joan Despí, a suburb of Barcelona, Spain.
It is considered one of the most prestigious youth academies in the world, having produced many top-level professional players, including Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Gerard Piqué.
Riqui Puig is among the latest players out of La Masia.
While he was set for great things at FC Barcelona, the young prodigy sought greener pastures, finding solace in the Los Angeles Galaxy team last season.
With the regular season starting next month, it is no surprise that Puig has plenty of time to spare now.
The break
Most people would be excited at the prospect of a vacation in Los Angeles, but Riqui Puig seems to be the exception.
Spanish journalist Rut Vilar, who appeared on the ‘Tot Costa’ program on Catalunya Radio, made a revelation.
“Riqui Puig is bored in Los Angeles.”
“Los Angeles and Miami are not pleasant cities to live in,” she explained. “Everything is by car, there is no nucleus.”
“When you are used to doing a lot in the city, as is the case with Riqui Puig, for example, it is not the same in Los Angeles or Miami as it is in New York.”
Before the program, Puig was spotted around Barcelona.
He was seen visiting his friend, Gerard Piqué, at his King’s League project.
2022 season
Riqui Puig made his LA Galaxy debut in 2022, helping the team reach fourth place.
Despite the team’s shortcomings, the midfielder is optimistic about their MLS Cup run in 2023.
“We were closer to winning than they were, honestly,” said Puig after their semifinal loss to rival LA FC. “But soccer is like that.”
“It’s not the best team that wins, the team that scores the most goals wins. Soccer is about scoring goals.”
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Puig
Riqui Puig is a professional soccer player from Spain.
He is currently a midfielder for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Puig is a product of La Masia, FC Barcelona’s youth academy, where he joined as a 9-year-old.
He has progressed through the academy ranks and made his senior team debut in 2018.
Riqui Puig is known for his technical abilities, ball control and vision in midfield.
He’s also considered a talented prospect for the future.
In addition, he has played for the Spanish national team U-21.
From Barcelona to LA
Riqui Puig arrived in Los Angeles from Barcelona on a free transfer in August.
While he has had very little time with the team, he made an immediate impact.
“I think the results are there to see,” said the La Masia product. “I came with a lot of motivation.”
“When you’re not active for a while, not getting minutes, you want to prove yourself.”
“I came here, they put their confidence in me, I played, and I think I showed [what I can do].”
LA Galaxy 2023
The Galaxy squad will look entirely different this year as the club will part with eight players from the previous campaign.
Sasha Kljestaan, an MLS legend, will be retiring.
Kevin Cabral will switch to the Colorado Rapids, opening up the Designated Player spot on the team.
Chicharito and Douglas Costa will also join Cabral’s exit.
Although the LA Galaxy can’t sign players from abroad, they already acquired Chris Mavinga and Memo Rodriguez for free.
Meanwhile, Riqui Puig is confident in the team’s potential for silverware in this campaign.
“I think last year, I wanted to make the playoffs. I think I got here a little too late,” he said.
“But this year, starting from zero, we have a big chance to win the league, and I think we’re going to win it.”
“We need to show that the Los Angeles Galaxy still have a lot to be done and are still a big name.”
References:
Former Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig “gets bored” in Los Angeles
Riqui Puig: LA Galaxy “have a big chance” to win MLS Cup in 2023
