Hansi Flick is ready to hand a first-team debut to a young Barcelona talent in the upcoming clash against CD Guadalajara.
Barcelona’s five-game winning streak highlights the squad’s depth.
Yet, injuries to key midfielders and heavy minutes for stars like Pedri create opportunities for academy prospects who’ve earned trust through positional smarts and reliability in sessions alongside seniors.
The single-leg format at Estadio Pedro Escartín heightens upset risk against third-tier hosts, but Hansi Flick views it as an ideal proving ground – echoing past debuts like Toni Fernández in Barbastro last season or Pau Cubarsí versus Unionistas – blending youth hunger with senior guidance to extend momentum into the Round of 16.
That sensation is Tommy Marques, the 19-year-old midfielder tipped by Mundo Deportivo’s Jordi Cardero for his senior bow after four straight league call-ups without minutes, continuing to shine with Barça Atlètic.
Hansi Flick values his tactical discipline, presence, and instruction adherence – traits suiting rotation needs with squad-mates like Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó also vying for starts amid Gavi and Dani Olmo’s absences.
Marques has embedded himself in first-team orbits, training routinely with elites and earning the coach’s faith for reliability when depth is tested.
His inclusion signals La Masia’s pipeline strength, historically fueling Barcelona’s Copa success through debuts that launch careers.
Tonight’s fixture tests Flick’s youth philosophy: trust breeds growth.
Marqués’ potential bow could mark another La Masia triumph, propelling Barcelona past minnows while nurturing future pillars.
Whether Marques steps onto Estadio Pedro Escartín’s pitch tonight or soon after, his trajectory confirms Flick’s faith in La Masia’s endless supply of polished gems ready to elevate Barcelona’s dynasty.
This Copa platform has launched legends before; the teenager’s poised intelligence positions him as the next in line, blending seamlessly into a winning machine hungry for more silverware
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