Barcelona 's academy continues to play a big role in modern football and a certain Sergio Gomez is the latest example of that lasting influence.
Now a key figure at Real Sociedad , the left-back has reflected on his journey from La Masia to top-flight football, offering insight into his development and his connection to Barcelona in an interview with SPORT .
Gomez's current role as a left-back may surprise many who followed his early years, especially given his attacking profile in the Barça youth setup.
When asked about this transformation, he admitted that the shift was never part of the original plan.
"The truth is that it's a position I've gradually adapted to over the years.
"At Barça, I played as a winger on both flanks or as an attacking midfielder. I even played as a false nine, but never as a full-back."
Despite leaving Barcelona in 2018 for Borussia Dortmund , Gomez still sees himself as a product of La Masia, something he made very clear when discussing his formative years.
"Absolutely. I spent eight years there, from the under-12s right up to Barça B. I'll always be grateful to Barça.
"I'm grateful to all the clubs I've played for, but it was Barça that gave me the chance to develop and make the leap to the top flight.
"In Barça's youth system, the coach who had the biggest impact on me was Franc Artiga."
The conversation also touched on transfer speculation surrounding his current teammate Alex Remiro, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona .
Sergio Gomez has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal . (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
"Remiro is a top-class goalkeeper. He's been a regular in the national team squad over the last few years.
"That's quite an achievement, given the high standard of goalkeeping in Spain."
When the focus shifted to his own future, Gomez made it clear that a return to Barcelona is not something occupying his thoughts at the moment, despite his deep connection with the club.
"I'm quite happy at Real Sociedad, and until they call you, you don't think about it. To be honest, I haven't given it a thought.
Barça is the club that has given me everything to get where I am now.
"I'm incredibly grateful for all those years and for how they treated me, but as I said before, until they call you, you don't even think about what you'd say if they did.
"I'm very happy at Real Sociedad and for the opportunities they're giving me."
Finally, Gomez shared his thoughts on one of Barcelona's brightest talents, Lamine Yamal, a player he has faced multiple times this season and also observed up close in the national team setup.
"I've had to face him on several occasions this season. Lamine is really showing what he's made of.
"I was in the squad with him when I was called up to the senior Spanish national team and he really impressed me in training. I'd seen him in matches, but watching him train is amazing.
"He's got fifteen or more years left in his career at Barça; he's bound to succeed and, if he puts his mind to it, he'll go as far as he wants,"he concluded.
