Xavi Hernandez himself was promoted from Barcelona's La Masia academy to the first team, along with former teammates Sergio Busquets or Andres Iniesta, but the midfielder has criticised the club's stance on youth development in recent times.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, the Spaniard said: 'In general Barcelona have been sleeping. They have to boost the "Cantera" and their model of play'.
'Young players have to learn this form of play so that when they arrive in the first team they already have the concepts properly learned. The "Cantera" coaches have to make players, they have to teach them', he added.
Luis Enrique was criticised for prioritising results, but Xavi urged Barca to return to their ideals: 'You have to form them from the youngest ages. If you win, great, but that's not the objective', Xavi insisted.
He also seemed hopeful after Valverde's appointment: 'I like the bet on Valverde, he's a prepared type, he has experience, he knows the club. He has lived the style and will do well. His arrival prompts a return to the orthodox style', he concluded.