FC Barcelona: 10 Candidates to Be La Blaugrana's Next Star

FC Barcelona currently remains in first place in La Liga with greats such as Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta. While they and others may be around for some time, a new generation is gradually replacing these players.

The following slideshow is dedicated to the candidates who are poised to become the next stars for La Blaugrana.

An invitation is sent to B/R readers to sit back, relax and enjoy the slideshow.

Gerard Deulofeu

Gerard Deulofeu is a member of the Barca B squad who was born in 1994. He participated in the Infantil, Cadet, Alevi, Benjami and Juvenil of La Blaugrana.

According to Francesc Tomas of ESPN, Deulofeu has lethal dribbling skill as one of his attributes. Deulofeu participated in the Copa del Rey match against Alaves last November.

If Deulofeu keeps practicing in the Barca youth club, he may be a future star.

Sergi Roberto

According to the FC Barcelona website, Sergi Roberto has the ability to be the next Barca star. The website praised Roberto's work ethic in the midfield and his strength.

Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Tre' Atkinson once compared Roberto to Iniesta. Roberto participated in the entire Copa del Rey matchup against Alaves and impressed Barca manager Tito Vilanova.

According to an article written by Stefan Coerts of Goal, Vilanova saw potential in Roberto. Unfortunately, Roberto's potential will have to wait until he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Marc Muniesa

Marc Muniesa is a versatile defender in all areas of the field especially when in possession, according to the FC Barcelona website.  Muniesa participated in La Blaugrana's matches against Osasuna and Hamburg SV.

While Goal.com has not awarded Muniesa high marks, Barca praised his character. At one point, Barca legend Johan Cruyff (reported by AS h/t Goal.com) recommended that Ajax sign Muniesa.

Cruyff believed that Ajax would be helpful in Muniesa's career. It appears that for the time being, Muniesa will be a new generation player at Barca.

Jonathan dos Santos

Jonathan dos Santos has been part of La Blaugrana since he was 12 years old a decade ago. Since then, he rose up the ranks of FC Barcelona.

Dos Santos participated in events such as the UEFA Champions League and Super Cup for Barca. He was part of the Barca squad in the FIFA Club World Cup.

FC Barcelona praised Dos Santos as a versatile midfielder with precision. He is the brother of former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Dos Santos, who now plays in La Liga for Real Mallorca.

Cristian Tello

Cristian Tello will forever be linked to the UEFA Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen on March 7, 2012. During this match, Tello scored the two goals that gave La Blaugrana a wide lead over the Germans.

During the current La Liga season, Tello scored three goals, prodiced two assists and had nine shots within nine matches (via ESPN).

La Blaugrana were so impressed with Tello that they signed him until 2016.

Franciso 'Kiko' Femenia

Femenia arrived at Barca B from Hercules CF during the 2011/12 season. Since his arrival, he impressed Barca (according to the club's official website) for being versatile and energetic in the right wing.

Marc Bartra

Marc Bartra is a defender who has left his mark in covering areas such as full-back according to the FC Barcelona website. Bartra has been compared to Gerard Pique.

Bartra participated in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga matches for Barca. But while Barca praises Bartra, Goal.com did the opposite in their review.

Goal.com criticized Bartra for his shooting, heading and discipline. Bartra will receive more opportunities in Barca as his game matures.

Oier Olazabal

Oier Olazabal will be a household name with FC Barcelona in the years to come. Olazabal is the latest goalkeeper to join the ranks of Barca.

Olazabal may be one of the principal goalkeeper if (as reported by Goal.com) Victor Valdes decides not to renew with Barca. The YouTube video from FC Barcelona announced that Olazabal renewed his contract with the club until the end of 2015.

Martin Montoya

Martin Montoya was praised by the FC Barcelona website website for his skills as a defender. The player is also lauded for his passing and crossing abilities.

Francesc Tomas of ESPN wrote in his article that Montoya may eventually replace Dani Alves. Tomas mentions Montoya´s ability to achieve a balance between attacking and defending as one of the main reasons why.

Tomas gave Montoya high marks for the the defender's work ethic.

Thiago Alcantara

Thiago Alcantara participated in events such as the UEFA Champions League for Barca. ESPN criticized Thiago for his lack of consistency and strength.

At the same time, ESPN wrote that Thiago may eventually replace Xavi as midfielder. The FC Barcelona website praises Thiago´s ability to execute free kicks in spite of his unpredictability.

My thanks to you for the time spent in reading this slideshow. I want to wish you the best in the week to come.