There were more questions than answers as FC Barcelona lined up for the start of their first competitive game after the departure of club legend and most successful coach in their history, Pep Guardiola. Over the past four years Barcelona had swept 14 out of 19 possible trophies including breaking a series of records on their way to winning the Spanish league three times and becoming champions of both Europe and the world twice, leading many to proclaim them the greatest football team to ever exist.

Having missed out on the two big prizes last year–the championships of Spain and Europe–amid a spate of injuries and occasionally sloppy performances by their own high standards, and having seen the talisman coach, Guardiola, depart citing the stress of constant pressure to be replaced by his former assistant Tito Vilanova, many doubted the ability of Barcelona to continue to dominate.

This was given further credence by the overpowering performances of eternal rivals, Real Madrid, last season, a young, hungry and athletic side that finally broke Barcelona’s stranglehold on domestic competition last year. However, in Madrid’s opener this season against Valencia immediately preceding the Barcelona game, they had drawn 1-1.

With this context, Barcelona went into their first game of the season against Real Sociedad needing to make a statement. And make one they did. Defender, Carles Puyol, headed Barcelona into the lead in the 4th minute before Chori Castro leveled for Sociedad on nine minutes. This parity would prove to be short-lived, as only 56 seconds later Lionel Messi scored and then scored yet another five minutes afterwards to put Barcelona 3-1 up in only 16 minutes.

Youngster Cristian Tello looked lively throughout, playing an intelligent and vastly improved game, and new signing, Jordi Alba, put in an untiring and dangerous performance from left-back, linking up well in his attack. In a warm night in Catalonia, Pedro Rodriguez, who had been off form much of last season, finished off a chance just before half-time to put the gloss on a great game.

With the game a formality by the beginning of the second half, Barcelona lowered the intensity of their game and introduced David Villa, who had missed most of last season due to his injury, to a rapturous reception by the Camp Nou crowd.

Villa duly marked his return to competitive play with a sharp performance and a well-struck goal in the 84th minute to cap off a result that sent out a statement, heading into Thursday’s Supercopa match against Real Madrid, to the rest of Europe for the season to come: don’t write off this Barcelona side just yet.

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Despite Group B containing the likes of Germany, Portugal and Holland, Group C will also show off a number of young stars in Poland and Ukraine this summer. Current holders as well as World Cup winners Spain are the favorites, but they’ll face stiff competition from Italy, Ireland and Croatia in what promises to be a close group.

Jordi Alba (Valencia & Spain)

He is Barcelona through and through, apart from the fact he plays for Valencia. The talented left-back grew up in Catalonia and played for the Barca youth team, but Alba has come to be noticed with his defensive and attacking performances for Valencia in the last couple of years. He’s still only 23 and seems almost certain for a move to Barcelona sooner rather than later.

His international career has only just begun going though, Alba has made 3 appearances for the national team starting last year, but with left-back possibly the only position Spain lacks a definite starter in, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Alba in that position when Spain kicks off against Italy in June.

Iker Muniain (Athletic Club & Spain)

The little 19-year old is being touted as the next big thing, Muniain’s name was known before this season, but two performances against Manchester United in the Europa League really brought him to prominence. He’s not a prolific goal scorer but the winger is creative and quick. He won’t be a starter for Spain this summer, and he might not even make the squad such is the talent flowing through the Spanish ranks, but he made his international debut this year and definitely has a shot at boarding the plane in a few months.

Javi Martinez (Athletic Club & Spain)

Another one of Athletic’s prodigies, Javi Martinez is a little ahead of Iker Muniain. The 23-year old has already made over 100 appearances for the La Liga side and captained the Spanish U21 side to the U21 European Championship title last summer. The defensive midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League and seems destined to become a top midfielder.

His international career is also ahead of Muniain. He’s only made 7 caps, but he made his debut back in 2010, and, like Muniain, may not even make the plane this summer. Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi Alonso & Sergio Busquets is tough competition to get in on but if Martinez does go to the EURO’s this summer, he’s sure to do himself justice.

Fabio Borini (AS Roma & Italy)

Similar to Portugal, there’s not a great deal of youth flowing through the current Italy squad, but if there is one man who could make an impact in a side looking to recover from an embarrassing World Cup campaign, it’s Fabio Borini. The 21-year old never really got a chance to impress at Chelsea, but he has had 9 goals in 19 appearances for Roma this season and has put himself in contention for the Italy squad this summer.

His impact didn’t go unnoticed by his national side, and Borini made his senior debut for Italy this year against the USA. Like others mentioned so far, Borini’s not certain to be on the plane to Eastern Europe this summer, but if Italy are to look towards a more youthful approach, Borini might be the man.

James McClean (Sunderland & Ireland)

Here’s a name who might be more familiar to the majority of readers. Premier League winger, James McClean, has a real chance of going to the EURO’s this summer. He was bought last summer but didn’t make an appearance until Steve Bruce was sacked, making his debut shortly after 2012 began well for McClean. He started his first game on January 1st, and impressed in the victory over Manchester City.

Since then, McClean has gone on to give many defenders issues and has been key to Sunderland’s climb up the table. Like Borini, McClean has gotten one international cap but has put himself in contention and Ireland would be unwise not to take a chance on him this summer.

Sime Vrsaljko (Dinamo & Croatia)

Football Manager fans rejoice! Vrsaljko may be unheard of in real life to many, but in Croatia he and a few other young players have been making waves and giving themselves a chance at a spot in the squad for this summers tournament. Vrsaljko is one of them. The Dinamo right-back has made 45 appearances for his club and this season has broken into the Croatia squad on three occasions.

He’s definitely one for the future but there’s no reason why Sime can’t make the plane this summer, along with a few other starlets.

Milan Badelj (Dinamo & Croatia)

Milan Badelj is 23 but still has a big future ahead of him. The creativity at the hub of Dinamo’s domestic success, Badelj has already surpassed 150 appearances for his club, and has 30 goals to show for it. Like his younger team-mate, Badelj also has three caps for Croatia, but playing further up the field he’s already scored his first goal for the national side.

Badelj is another one of those who could be on the fringes of the squad this summer, but like many other teams, Croatia could look towards youth sooner rather than later, and if they do, Badelj & Vrsaljko may be at the very top of the list.

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