Forget Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Co., This Is Barca's New Generation

FC Barcelona holds a world reputation for producing some of the finest players on the planet with astonishing consistency. Their fabled soccer academy, La Masia, holds four of the 11 FIFA World XI spots. Leo Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Carles Puyol are all graduates. Let's take a look at the new crop that has come through.

Thiago Alcantara

David Ramos/Getty Images

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 02: Thiago Alcantara of Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Levante UD at Camp Nou on January 2, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona won 2-1. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Thiago Alcantara. Bari-born, Brazilian-raised and indoctrinated in the Barcelona system since 2004 is already on the fringes of the Blaugrana's first-team squad having scored a goal after coming on as a substitute in the 4-0 hammering of Racing in February. The consensus around Camp Nou is that in Alcantara the club has a prospect to rival Xavi, fitness and form permitting. Thiago has impressed observers with his dogged persistence and unerring passing ability.

It was announced that he will be joining the Barca first team next season (2011/12)

Bojan Krkic

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 21: Bojan Krkic of Barcelona looks on during the round of last 16 Copa del Rey match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou stadium on December 21, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Ima

He has a devastating mix of speed and agility, much like Messi, which allows him to go past players with ease. Bojan also has immense power in his shots and can score from a variety of positions. This lad benched Zlatan Ibrahimovic a couple of times last season. Give him bit more time, and he'll be benching David Villa soon.

Jeffren Suarez

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 24: Jeffren (L) of Barcelona is challenged by Jose Casado of Xerez CD during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Xerez CD at Camp Nou stadium on April 24, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Jeffren Surarez is a talented young winger who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, Leo Messi, who is just half a year older than Jeffren but already a super star on the world stage. There are a lot of similarities between Messi and Suárez. Both players are very versatile, extremely fast and have great technique. Arguably the top moment of Jeffren's career was scoring the fifth and final goal to seal Real Madrid's coffin.

Jonathan Dos Santos

David Ramos/Getty Images

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 08: Jonathan dos Santos of FC Barcelona B (L) controls the ball during the La Liga Adelante match between FC Barcelona B and Girona at Mini Estadi on January 8, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

If Thiago is the new Xavi then this lad is the new Iniesta.

He has already developed a good midfield partnership with Thiago, and his play is impeccable. Jonathan posseses great touch, vision and dribbling skills. A good passer, he also knows where and how to move when he dosen't have the ball. JDS isn't just a player for Barca fans to look forward to, but you Mexico fans should also be excited.

Oriol Romeu

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

SEVILLE, SPAIN - AUGUST 14: Oriol Romeu of Barcelona passes the ball during the Supercopa, first leg, match between Sevilla and Barcelona at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on August 14, 2010 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

To complete the future Barca midfield, here is the defensive midfielder.

The 18-year-old was extremely impressive for Barcelona's reserve team last season and it was thought that Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola might grant Romeu a step up to the first team this season, particularly as back up of Javier Mascherano. Romeu is strong and quick, which gives him the ability to impose himself on the midfield.  However, Romeu is also a versatile player, also able to play in defence.

The fact that Arsenal tried so hard to land him tells you something, as Arsene Wenger has a very keen eye for talent.

Thank You For Reading!!!!

This was my first article for Bleacher Report, and I hope you enjoyed it. Many thanks to the Bleacher Report editors for giving me this opportunity!

Feel free to leave me any constructive criticisms or opinions!