Former Barcelona youth coach Albert Benaiges has hit out at club politics.

Benaiges, who spent 22 years at La Masia, says Carles Alena deserves a call-up to the first team.

He told Sport: "He is a player that we brought from the Maristes of Mataró. The other day I was surprised because he hugged me and he was at my height. I thought he was going to be one of the short ones.

"He is a strong guy and when he enters he changes the game.

"There must be no club politics, just bet on a player and empower him, say 'let's go for him'.

"Arda (Turan) is a good player, but has no Barça style. The boy, the Portuguese (André Gomes), has not shown anything special, nothing that a boy of the football base can not do. Before bringing players from outside, it is better to empower players of home."