Rubén de la Barrera backs the youth pipeline: three ‘platanitos’ already debuted

Rubén de la Barrera, head coach of Las Palmas UD, has turned to the academy to deal with problems in the first team: three ‘platanitos’ have already made their debuts in LaLiga Hypermotion. As reported by MARCA, the plan has taken shape with Rafa Cruz, Elías Romero and Adrián Rodríguez, whose minutes have also brought extra opportunities.

Rafa Cruz didn’t just get on the pitch—he has also started featuring with the under-18s. Elías Romero, meanwhile, was a starter last Sunday and made an impact with one goal and two assists. The latest moment came from Adrián Rodríguez: at 21, he entered the Gran Canaria in the 72nd minute to replace Andrés Rodríguez and told the club’s official radio, "He cumplido un sueño".

De la Barrera assessed his performance too: "Adrián entró muy bien al partido. Tiene más recorrido para intervenir arriba". Rachid and Aidan Pérez have also been called up during the year, and central defender David Suárez is in the same orbit as the staff look for more academy options.