Juliano Belletti's reserve team has started the first two preseason friendlies with a neutral record. Despite starting with a win and a loss, the team's outlook is positive and several players are already showing they have a level above the category. Barça Atlètic looks set to be a team that will combine the experience of some footballers who have spent several seasons with the team, with the youth of some of La Masia's gems.
In the first match against UE Olot (0-3), one of the standout names of the game was Shane Kluivert, son of the legendary FC Barcelona footballer and Netherlands international. The first half ended with a 0-0 score, and after several young academy footballers came on after halftime, the match opened up.
Shane scored the second of the three goals from an assist by Xavi Espart, another footballer who's showing a great level. Espart provided a horizontal pass to Shane at the edge of the box, which he subtly placed right in the top corner of the goal. Although the Dutchman is playing with Barça B, he's still youth age and his most natural next step would be to Juvenil A.
Last season, he was already under Belletti's orders in some matches and even played two games in the Youth League. It's important to remember that Shane belongs to the golden 2007 generation of Lamine, Cubarsí, and Bernal. Unlike them, the youngest Kluivert is moving up step by step and is building his path under the pressure of his father's legend.
Although scoring isn't his best virtue, last season he scored 6 goals in the National League with Juvenil B, improving on his numbers from the previous campaign. In the coming days, we'll see what Belletti decides, whether he keeps him in a rotation role with the reserve team or makes him one of the key pillars of the new Juvenil A. Most likely, Shane will rotate between the two teams just as many footballers have done in recent seasons.