Hansi Flick is poised to hand a 17-year-old La Masia defensive gem his first taste of senior action against Celta Vigo.
Faced with mounting defensive woes and the relentless demands of a packed fixture list, the club must once again turn to its famed academy, La Masia, in search of answers.
Injuries to key defenders and inconsistent performances have posed major challenges for manager Hansi Flick, prompting difficult questions about squad depth as pressure builds in both domestic and continental competitions.
In such stormy times, Barcelona’s history suggests that youth can provide the spark for stability and revival—a tradition that has seen stars rise from the academy ranks to play pivotal roles on the grandest stage.
That player is Álvaro Cortés, a 17-year-old central defender from Juvenil A, whose recent performances have sparked growing excitement among Barca’s technical staff, as reported by Diario Sport.
Calm under pressure, tactically aware, and possessing an elegant command of the ball, Cortés embodies the principles that have defined La Masia’s defensive philosophy for generations.
His reading of the game and ability to initiate play from the back have drawn comparisons to graduates who leaped to first-team prominence.
Hansi Flick has been closely monitoring the youngster, especially as the team copes with lingering fitness issues in central defense.
With key players sidelined and rotation becoming a necessity, the Barcelona coach is weighing the option of promoting Cortés to senior training sessions.
The move would not only offer valuable first-team exposure but also symbolize a continued reliance on La Masia’s developmental structure—a cornerstone of the club’s identity that Flick has praised since his arrival.
Internally, there is confidence that the youngster’s maturity exceeds his age.
Should the promotion materialize, it would be another testament to Barcelona’s enduring belief in youth development, a philosophy refined over decades and once again proving decisive in shaping the club’s future stability.
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