Getting To Know: Marc Muniesa

Full name: Marc Muniesa Martínez
Squad No: 26
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 27 March 1992
Place of birth: Lloret de Mar, Spain
Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs)

Born in Lloret de Mar, 75 km (47 miles) northeast from Barcelona, Marc Muniesa started playing youth football at the age of four. From 1996 to 2003 Muniesa played football for Penya Barcelonista de Lloret de Mar. In the summer of 2003 he joined La Masia where he played for all youth levels. At the age of 15 he was already a member of the Juvenil A team, a feat accomplished by few Canteranos.

Muniesa's development was then slowed by a torn ACL which kept him on the sidelines for 10 months. After he returned to the pitch he continued his quick progress as he made his first team debut while still a member of the Juvenil team. Muniesa's debut came as a substitute on 23 May 2009 against Osasuna at the age of 17 years and 57 days, making him the second youngest player ever to play for Barcelona in La Liga.

In 2009-10 Muniesa was promoted to the Barcelona B where he quickly became one of the most used defenders appearing mostly in the heart of the defense but he also got game-time at left-back. The next two seasons Muniesa exclusively played for the B team but in 2011-12 the youngster was again called up to the senior team. In his career Muniesa has so far made four appearances for the senior team. In three seasons with the B team Muniesa played in 70 games, scoring four goals in the process.

Muniesa was promoted to Barcelona's first team in the 2012-13 season, but his first official senior campaign was cut short by another ACL tear. Muniesa is currently in the last season of his contract with FC Barcelona.

Internationally Muniesa has made 23 appearances for various Spanish youth selections, ranging from U-16 to U-21. The majority of his international experience has come at the U-17 level where he appeared ten times. Muniesa is still waiting for his first international goal as well as his first senior La Furia Roja call-up. He, however, has one appearance with the Catalan national team.

Profile
Muniesa is a versatile defender that is comfortable playing at the left-back position as well as in the heart of the defense. He has good speed as well as a terrific positioning sense, especially when playing as a central defender. Muniesa is a very athletic player which allows him to be a threat in the air game despite his low height. His tackling can be hit and miss but with experience that should improve.

Honors
FC Barcelona

Next up: Jordi Roura