Mingueza’s Unlikely Rise: From La Masia to La Liga Stardom

Vigo, Spain – Óscar Mingueza’s journey from a promising La Masia talent to a key player for Celta Vigo is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and the unwavering belief of his coaches.

The Catalan defender, once a captain of Barcelona’s Youth League-winning side, has defied expectations and emerged as one of La Liga’s most exciting full-backs.

Born in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Mingueza joined FC Barcelona’s youth system at a young age and progressed through all levels of the club before making his mark on the first team.

In 2018, he captained the last Barça side to win the UEFA Youth League under coach García Pimienta. That team, featuring talents like Álex Collado, Abel Ruiz, and Riqui Puig, showcased Mingueza’s leadership skills and tactical intelligence.

Pimienta, who played a crucial role in Mingueza’s development, later promoted him to Barça Atlètic and recommended him to Ronald Koeman when Barcelona needed defensive reinforcements.

Pimienta’s belief in Mingueza stood out in an environment where some doubted his ability to make the leap to the first team.

Transition to First-Team Football

Initially a central midfielder, Mingueza transitioned to defence during his early years in Barcelona’s academy. His ability to read the game, coupled with his technical proficiency, made him a reliable option in both central defence and full-back positions.

Jordi Font, the coach who first signed him for Barça, noted his natural talent for bringing the ball out from the back and his strong physical attributes. Despite occasional criticism for appearing “too cold” or “not very competitive,” his professionalism and work ethic shone through.

Under Koeman, Mingueza became a regular fixture in the first team, playing 66 games across all competitions. His tenure included memorable moments, such as scoring in a Clásico against Real Madrid during the pandemic and playing a vital role in Barça’s Copa del Rey final victory against Athletic Bilbao.

While Mingueza displayed impressive adaptability, he struggled for consistent game time under Xavi, who informed him that his opportunities would be limited to around ten matches per season. This led him to seek a fresh start at Celta Vigo in 2022.

Struggles and Growth at Celta Vigo

Mingueza’s initial transition to Celta Vigo under coach Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet was challenging. Used primarily as a centre-back, he struggled to find his footing and played sparingly. However, things changed when Carlos Carvalhal took over as manager.

Carvalhal shifted Mingueza to the full-back position, where he began to thrive. Alongside key players like Iago Aspas and Gabri Veiga, he became a structural piece in Celta’s system, showcasing his growing influence on the team.

Under Rafa Benítez, Mingueza’s evolution continued. The tactically astute manager recognised his struggles in defence during periods without possession and began experimenting with him in more advanced roles. Mingueza occasionally played as a right-sided attacker and even as a pivot, leveraging his ball-playing abilities and intelligence.

The arrival of Claudio Giráldez as head coach marked a turning point in Mingueza’s career. Giráldez moved him further away from defence, granting him more creative freedom in attacking areas. This adjustment allowed Mingueza to flourish as a playmaker, orchestrating plays and breaking pressing lines with his precision passing.

Statistical Excellence and Role Redefinition

Mingueza’s transformation into a creative force is underscored by his statistics. He currently leads La Liga in passes that break pressing lines, averaging 10.68 per 90 minutes, according to StatsBomb. In the final third, he completes 2.4 such passes per match, ranking fourth overall and as the only defender in the top 20. His ability to read the game and deliver incisive passes has redefined his role, turning him into one of La Liga’s most productive playmakers.

With five assists this season, Mingueza ranks as the third-highest provider in La Liga, a remarkable achievement for a player initially trained as a centre-back. Coaches at La Masia, who once envisioned him progressing as a central midfielder, now marvel at his reinvention as a full-back—a position few expected him to excel in. This creativity and adaptability have silenced doubts about his competitiveness and established him as a key player in Spain’s top flight.

Legacy and Family Connection

Mingueza’s journey also holds a unique familial aspect. During his time at Barcelona, he and his sister, Ariadna, who played for the women’s team, became the first siblings to simultaneously represent the club’s senior sides. While Ariadna now plays for Granada, their shared La Masia background highlights the Mingueza family’s contribution to Barcelona’s football legacy.