Following their last training session preparing for the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid, all eyes were on the possible line-up decisions of Hansi Flick.
The German coach entered the final preparation stage for the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja, where Barcelona will look to repeat their heavy 5-2 Super Cup victory in January, and he has kept close to his vest how he is going to lineup.
With Alejandro Balde out for the match due to injury, the left-back position was one of the talking points.
Gerard Martín’s natural replacement seems to be in line for the launch.
However, Hansi Flick hinted at something different during their training session.
During the media access part of Saturday’s training, the manager tested a very unconventional defensive setup that many people regarded as surprising.
The unexpected candidate is 19-year-old La Masia graduate Héctor Fort, according to Diario Sport.
The young full-back was given a rare start against Mallorca last week and again lined up in a back four with Koundé, Cubarsí, and Iñigo Martínez at left-back.
This was a departure from the way Hansi Flick has been training the squad so far, splitting starters and subs early in the sessions.
The kid’s inclusion would be a big risk. The 19-year-old has only played 485 minutes in 15 matches, with just four starts.
Nevertheless, Fort may have shown Flick he is ready for the dump of El Clásico thanks to a composed showing against Mallorca with 92% pass accuracy and three important tackles.
This tactical twist adds another interesting dimension to an already very interesting final.
Flick will sometimes throw surprise selections in big games, which may trump the fact that Fort has never played at this level.
All eyes will be on the teamsheet when the teams walk out at La Cartuja to see if the young defender’s name appears – a decision that could pre-determine the match outcome and young Fort’s developing career.
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