If there is one thing that Hansi Flick has demonstrated, it is his ability to, whether in times of austerity or not, bet on the mine of talent that FC Barcelona has in La Masia. Even the German coach has not hesitated to debut up to five players from the reserve team in the scarce 10 matches he has led as the Barça coach. Want to know who they are? We'll tell you at FCBN.
Andrés Cuenca
The most recent of them was the young defender Andrés Cuenca, who at 17 years old, three months, and 12 days, made his debut wearing the Blaugrana jersey in the 5-0 rout against Young Boys in matchday two of the UEFA Champions League 24/25, coming on at the 84th minute of the match against the Swiss, replacing Iñigo Martínez.
Sergi Domínguez
Before this historic day for Andrés Cuenca, another defender, Sergi Domínguez, had the chance to shine. He officially debuted with FC Barcelona on September 30, in the 7-0 thrashing of Real Valladolid in matchday four of LaLiga EA Sports at Montjuïc, aged 19 years, four months, and 30 days. He came on in the 61st minute to replace Pau Cubarsí. Since then, he has made three more appearances and has been a starter in two matches of the Spanish tournament (59' against Villarreal CF and 85' against CA Osasuna).
Gerard Martín and Pau Víctor
Prior to these two, Hansi Flick debuted two academy players at once. On August 17, in the first match of LaLiga EA Sports against Valencia (2-1), he brought on Gerard Martín (22 years, five months, and 22 days) in the 64th minute, replacing Alejandro Balde. Later, in the 86th minute, Pau Víctor (22 years, eight months, and 22 days) entered the field for Lamine Yamal.
Since then, Gerard Martín has become a regular player in the German coach's scheme, with seven more appearances, 265 minutes, one assist, and three starts (65' against Rayo Vallecano, 90' against Villarreal CF, and 70' against CA Osasuna). On the other hand, Pau Víctor has added two more appearances, 132 minutes, one goal, one assist, and a start of 59' against CA Osasuna.
Marc Bernal
Finally, the first academy player to debut at FC Barcelona under the guidance of Hansi Flick was Marc Bernal, who was fielded at 17 years, two months, and 22 days, starting in the 1-2 match of matchday one of LaLiga EA Sports against Valencia CF. Following this, the German had great faith in the midfielder, granting him two more starts (against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano) and a total of 244 minutes of play. This progression was only halted by the unfortunate rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and an associated meniscus injury suffered by the talented central midfielder.