Carlos Alena is now a first team Barcelona player. He will play tonight against Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey.
Alena was supposed to make the leap to first team in the summer but his injury meant it was best if he started the season with Barca B. Now he has been upgraded it means he cannot go back to play at that level again. With the change, Barca also liberate a spot for B teasers in their Copa del Rey side - only four are allowed at any given time.
Alena stepping up means Barca also have their replacement for Rafinha, who is out for six months. Valverde brought him on against Villarreal and he scored his first league goal.
He will wear the 21 shirt, previously occupied by Andre Gomes, now at Everton on loan. Denis Suarez is the big victim here, with Ernesto Valverde not trusting him. With Alena’s appearance, a bit of La Masia’s essence has been recovered. He has shone at every youth level and now he has his chance with the first team.