Xavi Simons. Jorge Alastuey. Txus Alba. Fermin López. Cadet A’s talented midfield has gotten plenty of attention in this space, but this implies that every potential star has been covered. With this Cadet A squad that doesn’t seem possible and with one look at midfielder Arnau Solá, you understand that Carles Martínez’s squad is as deep as it is gifted.
Born on April 4, 2003 in the town of Amposta, Tarragona on the banks of the Ebro river, Arnau Solá Mateu got his start with local side UE Rapitenca’s youth set-up. Two hours from Barcelona, distance didn’t stop those at La Masia from finding the player and bringing him into the system with Infantil B.
At Infantil B, he set up in the center of the park and incrementally was given more responsibility at other positions. This versatility slowly became his calling card under the tutelage of Carles Martínez, then at Infantil A, as Martínez entrusted him at left wing in the derby against RCD Espanyol and other appearances as a defensive midfielder.
When he first arrived at La Masia, he had to wait until January to play due to FIFA sanctions all while his family travelled the two hours to visit him. These challenges affected him, but clearly the player has responded by making sure his prodigious teammates don’t leave him behind.
His versatility leads to easy comparisons to Sergi Roberto, even though his patent left foot makes him more comfortable on the opposite side of the field. Roberto’s big break came when he was moved from central midfield to right-back, and there may come a day when Solá needs to find a permanent position or be left behind. For now though, his ability to add to his league-winning Cadet A squad wherever he’s needed is allowing him to show his great promise and pick up victories at the same time.
