This season for FC Barcelona has already been far from conventional, even by their standards. Often possessing some of the world’s best players to lead their ranks in previous seasons, the story was a bit different for this campaign. Instead, Barcelona have been growing more and more reliant on their academy products to get the job done.
However, the youngsters have done even better than expected when it comes to performing on the big stage. Some names, such as those of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, have continued to excel as they did last season and have managed to improve on even that previous campaign.
Yet, there are always new names that enter the picture whenever a new coach comes about. For Hansi Flick so far, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, four La Masia talents have made their official debut this season and all four of them have had their unique roles to play and qualities to offer to the team.
Marc Bernal:
Despite being just 17 years old, Marc Bernal’s arrival into the team completely changed the way the club thought about the possibility of needing a new defensive midfielder. A revelation of sorts simply by the composure and quality he brought to the team, it was perhaps the most unfortunate incident of the season so far to see him be ruled out for the campaign due to an untimely ACL injury.
Gerard Martin:
Another player who made his first team debut this season was Gerard Martin. While he may not possess the technical expertise that Marc Bernal offered to this team or possess the thunderous pace that Alejandro Balde does, Martin has done what has been asked of him as Balde’s replacement at left-back. A much more physical player, but one whose performances have drawn a lot of mixed reactions so far.
Sergi Dominguez:
One of the two La Masia centre-backs to make their debut this season, Sergi Dominguez has had a lot more prominence in this team than many people would have expected initially. Having even started already against Osasuna, he has also had several cameos here and there.
Andres Cuenca:
17-year-old centre-back Andres Cuenca becomes the latest player to make his debut for the Barcelona first team under Hansi Flick. While his debut against BSC Young Boys in the recent 5-0 win was not exactly too convincing, given that he was troubled by the opposition at certain points, there must be something special about the player for Flick to have him in the squad and even hand him an appearance.
