Barça's Babunski set to star for FYROM

Only a month after making his debut for FC Barcelona B, David Babunski is set to crown a dream year by taking his senior international bow in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's friendly against Bulgaria in Skopje on Wednesday.

A product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, which he joined aged 12, Skopje-born Babunski turned 19 in March and although he is developing his game far from his native land, the fruits of that talent will soon benefit the FYROM national team. Considered one of the country's finest prospects, Babunski's maiden international appearance has seemed something of an inevitability for some time.

A playmaker with eye-catching technical skills, vision and a killer pass, the Under-21 regular is growing into the type of player that FYROM has not seen since the 1980s – when they boasted famed FK Vardar midfielder Toni Savevski. "For a long time now we have followed David's development and he is without doubt an extremely talented player," said FYROM coach Cedomir Janevski, explaining his decision to call up Babunski. "I wanted him to play the last two friendlies, against Sweden and Norway in June, however he had commitments with Barcelona. I am happy he is playing for Barcelona B this season as David is the future of Macedonian football."

Capped at all age-group levels, Babunski joined the Catalan club in 2006, excelling in the youth ranks before being promoted to the B side last month. "I am infinitely grateful to Barcelona for all these incredible years and the opportunity to keep growing here," he said, after signing a contract keeping him at Camp Nou until 2015.

Nor is Babunski the only member of his family in football. His 16-year-old brother Dorian is part of the Real Madrid CF academy, while his father Boban, capped 23 times by his country, now coaches the U21 side after a successful playing career with, among others, Vardar, AEK Athens FC, PFC CSKA Sofia, UE Lleida and CD Logroñés.

He may be a "virtuoso with the ball", as described by one of his coaches, but off the pitch Babunski has a hobby that sets him apart from his peers. Nicknamed 'the Philosopher' by colleagues, the midfield schemer has another passion almost as strong as his one for football. "Most of all I want to read philosophy books," he said. "Philosophy is the only path to achieve all the goals in life." If his brain and feet work in harmony, Babunski could achieve great things with club and country for years to come.