The pre-season tour to the US is serving as a great testing period for this FC Barcelona team. With a new coach now in charge, it is understandable that he would like to get a grasp of things. Fortunately for him, the pre-season tour has allowed Barcelona to face some of Europe’s finest teams.
Both the games that Barça have played so far ended in victory for them. The first came through penalties against Manchester City, and then the second win came with a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid. Moreover, these victories allowed Hansi Flick to get a closer look at some of his brightest youngsters.
From among the many standouts, 20-year-old Alex Valle was easily one of the absolute best revelations. As highlighted by SPORT, he was already among the brightest names previously shortlisted by Bojan Krkic while he was assessing him during his loan spell at Levante.
Eventually, that first team experience with Levante has now helped Valle develop a competitive mentality and one that does not shy away from big responsibilities. That is why, despite being a natural left-back, he was able to impress Flick even when being deployed as a right-back.
Many other defenders have also been tried in that position, such as Mikayil Faye and Gerard Martin, but the only left-back who could effectively transition over to the other flank was Valle and he showcased it at a level no one could have anticipated. Against Real Madrid of all teams, he essentially ended up providing the key pass for both the goals scored by Barcelona.
Gradually, he has managed to fully win over Hansi Flick with his recent performances. He continues to show why Bojan Krkic had his name highlighted as one of the potential additions to the first team this season, and it is clear to see that the young fullback has a bright future ahead of him no matter what flank he plays on.
