Hansi Flick has found the perfect replacement for Frenkie de Jong, who is sidelined for up to 5 weeks with a hamstring injury.
Hansi Flick’s high-pressing system relies heavily on De Jong’s metronomic passing, defensive cover, and line-breaking surges, leaving a gaping void in the pivot that tests squad depth amid Pedri’s recent return and Gavi’s suspension risks.
Deco and the coaching staff have scoured options. Still, rather than panic buys or awkward positional shifts, Hansi Flick has turned to La Masia for an immediate, long-term solution to keep Barcelona’s title charge on track.
That replacement is 18-year-old midfield starlet Tommy Marques, who is in line for a first-team call-up and potential debut minutes against Villarreal this weekend, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The Barça Atlètic captain has dominated Segunda B with his composure, vision, and tenacity, and earning Flick’s trust during recent training cameos.
Marques mirrors De Jong’s profile: a deep-lying playmaker with 91% pass accuracy, progressive carries, and intelligent pressing triggers that fit seamlessly into the German’s 4-3-3 framework.
Marques’ breakout season boasts 5 goals and 7 assists from defensive midfield, including a screamer in the Catalan Derby.
He offers physicality absent in slighter options like Fermín López, while his recovery pace shields Pau Cubarsí effectively.
Hansi Flick sees him as more than a stopgap—a potential starter post-De Jong’s return, accelerating La Masia’s conveyor belt much like Yamal and Cubarsí before him.
With Marc Casadó as backup and Olmo inverting from attack, Flick’s Villarreal lineup likely pivots Marques alongside Pedri, prioritising youth baptism under pressure.
Success here validates Barcelona’s self-sufficiency amid financial fair play chains—no January spending required.
This opportunity defines Flick’s Barcelona era: trusting academy gems in crisis forges dynasties.
De Jong’s void hurts, but Marques embodies the club’s DNA—technical steel powering silverware.
Villarreal awaits; La Masia’s next hero rises.
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