Unai Lema: From Barceloneta to ASC Duisburg – The Next Step

Why is **Unai Lema** leaving **CN Atlètic-Barceloneta** to join **ASC Duisburg** and continue his water polo career in Germany? In Part 1 of this **Waterpolo Expert Talk** interview, the 20-year-old Spanish player talks about growing up in the youth system of CN Atlètic-Barceloneta, making the transition to senior water polo and his decision to take the next step of his career with ASC Duisburg in the **German Water Polo Bundesliga**. Unai explains why more playing time and competitive experience are crucial for his development, what young water polo players can learn from Barceloneta's youth development system, and how the club's philosophy – built around strong defence, high pressing and quick transitions – is introduced from an early age. We also discuss the difficult step from junior to elite senior water polo, the coaches and teammates who shaped his journey, the influence of Spain's successful national team and what **success in water polo** means to him personally. From **Spanish water polo and Barceloneta to ASC Duisburg and German water polo** – this is the story behind Unai Lema's next big step.