Ilias Akhomach, first debutant of Xavi era

Ilias Akhomach was one of the names of today’s derby with Espanyol. The 17-year-old was one of eight La Masia graduates in Xavi’s first starting XI, playing the first 45 minutes before being replaced by a fellow youngster Ez Abde, who made his own debut just three weeks ago.

Wearing number 37, Ilias left a fine impression in his time on pitch. Playing on the right, his first moment of top flight football was a crunching tackle from his adversary Adrià Pedrosa, and he also had a great chance to score in the 13^th minute, although the flag was already up for offside. 

Ilias Akhomach is a remarkably quick and imaginative player who has scored two goals for the U19A team and two more for Barça B this season (both braces). 

Having also featured in the UEFA Youth League, the youngster has now appeared in four different competitions this season.