Great interview by @diariARA on Ilaix and Mingueza's previous La Masia coaches, giving us great insights on two very different cases of pure talent:

"Two different ways for La Masia to seduce Koeman before the Cup Final." https://www.ara.cat/esports/dues-maneres-diferents-masia-seduir-koeman-final-copa_1_3945496.html

We'll give a recap below

Ex-Masia coach @FrancArtiga: "There are different circumstances that help to understand that more footballers are appearing in the 1st team. On the one hand, the clear commitment to the B team for the home-grown formed in recent years and the great work of their boss, Pimienta."

"On the other hand, the economic situation has meant that more attention has been paid to the resources you already have at home. That being said, it's very important that Koeman doesn't shake his wrist when it comes to betting on the young players in the house." @FrancArtiga

Ex-Masia coach @carlesmnovell: "It's my opinion, but I think it's a widespread feeling among many of La Masia's coaches: if you count on home-grown players, they will show that they understand the game, that they are competitive and that they are ready to withstand the pressure."

"Then it will be seen if they take advantage, but we have to start from the base. The circumstances this season have made them have more chances and I think the players coming up are proving that they have the level. La Masia is made to nurture the first team." @carlesmnovell

. @FrancArtiga: "There are a lot of good players in the first team and sometimes it's very difficult to get there. But I think that for positions like midfield, fullback, center-back... you have to look first what you have at home."

"I think that if players from outside are signed, it must be because they are the ones who make the difference or because to occupy positions that, for whatever reason, could not be nurtured with players from the academy." @FrancArtiga

"In the end, we are recognized in the world for how we win, not so much for what we win. And, moreover, it turns out that the most successes we have had, has been how fantastic we've been, and that’s been possible with players who have been at home for many years." @FrancArtiga

On Ilaix and Mingueza:

"These are two different cases. The case of Ilaix is ​​one of those that all the coaches point out as one of the players who must reach the first team, due quality but especially for mentality and personality." @FrancArtiga

"The club put a big bet on Ilaix and I think that's what needs to be done. Maybe you can be wrong sometimes, but I'm convinced that it will always be cheaper than having to pay transfers." @FrancArtiga

"On the other hand, I think Mingueza is performing much better in the first team than in the youth. His case makes me very happy because he shows that from discretion, dedication, humility and work, one can reach the 1st team. He has become an example for the youth." @FrancArtiga

. @carlesmnovell: "What Ilaix is doing with the first team is what we've already seen in the lower categories. He's still just as daring. He was already active in the [youth] Clasicos."

"I especially remember that Ilaix was decisive in key moments of matches: he didn't hide and was one of those who carries the team. He's a very complete footballer: delicate in the positional subject and the reading of the game, while being decisive in the areas." @carlesmnovell

Ex-Catalan youth NT coach @Jaume_JoanRius: "Ilaix is a footballer who was very physically developed and who had almost always played with older boys. He still had things to improve, like all young players, but back then he already stood out."

"I remember Ilaix as being very extroverted and, despite being a year younger he was already one of the leaders, even in the national team's call-ups where the locker room is different because the players don't know each other very well." @Jaume_JoanRius

"Ilaix is a footballer with many virtues: he is athletic, but he has a lot of technique; tactically he is intelligent and, mentally, he has great self-confidence. It must be said that it's important to know how to control this last factor." @Jaume_JoanRius

"Sometimes having great self-confidence may be an overly individualistic factor, but this is usually corrected when making the leap to professional football. Ilaix has the abilities to consolidate it.” @Jaume_JoanRius

. @carlesmnovell: "Knowing how to manage the pressure is something that players who have grown up in professional grassroots football like Barça's have acquired over the years. It's part of their training."

"For them, every game is an exam: they know they have to be the best because they are in a place reserved only for the best. They compete in the best international tournaments, too, and in Catalonia there is, in general, a very high level of formative football." @carlesmnovell

"From their formative stage, the home-grown players understand what it means to wear the Barça shirt and the pressure that this entails." @carlesmnovell

"We don't have any magic recipes, but there has been a model of play and training for many years. From a very young age, they have been playing derbies against the lower category teams of Madrid and Espanyol." @carlesmnovell