It is hardly surprising to see FC Barcelona continue to depend on their youngsters to step up in tough times. La Blaugrana are renowned for their world-class academy and its almost limitless reserves of talented footballers. However, especially in times of sporting difficulty, Barcelona try to make the most of these reserves.
For instance, there is perhaps no better example than the present-day Barcelona. Riddled with injuries, both pre-existing ones and the most recent incidents as well, Hansi Flick essentially has no place to turn to. Without too many players arriving this summer as transfers due to the club’s limited resources, the German coach has had to make the most of the subsidiary.
Thus far, players like Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Casado, and several other youngsters have stepped up and helped Hansi Flick’s team maintain their perfect record, and some may argue that one of them even kick-started this entire streak.
Now, however, Hansi Flick has included even more promising youngsters in the squad for the Champions League clash against Monaco. One of those youngsters is 16-year-old Toni Fernandez, who has prior experience of training under the mentorship of a former Barcelona Golden Boy as well, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo.
That Golden Boy was none other than Pedri, who trained with Toni Fernandez almost a year ago for an Adidas campaign and even answered some of his questions that the younger of the two put forward.
The first question was in regards to Lionel Messi, and just what it was like for Pedri to play alongside the great Barcelona icon.
“When I met Leo, I was really nervous. It was a wonderful experience. It was a bit difficult at first because you feel a lot of pressure. These are players you’ve watched on TV for so long. The training intensity is also a big difference, but you always have to give 100%.”
He also answered the youngster’s query about the differences in playing for the first team at the highest level and how it is different from youth football:
“I would say it’s the pace of the game. The intensity of a first-division match is what sets it apart the most because there is a lot of talent and quality among young players, but the pace is the most challenging part to keep up with.”
Pedri also talked about the pressures that come with being a player for FC Barcelona, and how it is something that he has worked on and does not let it impact his overall game:
“I handle it well; I don’t let that pressure get to me. I focus on enjoying myself and not thinking about it. I believe I need to keep improving, as there’s still a lot to work on in my game, and the team always carries the pressure.”
Lastly, and perhaps the statement most personal to Pedri, was the one regarding injuries and how they can be the most difficult part of playing sports:
“The worst moment is when injuries prevent you from doing what you love. It’s tough; when you get injured, the first few days are sad as you think about what will happen, but you have to face it in the best way possible.”
Now, however, both of those players will be in the squad side by side as they head to Monaco to take on the home side. For this game, primarily due to the injuries that have riddled the team, there could be an opportunity for Toni Fernandez to show everyone what he has to offer if Hansi Flick ends up giving him some minutes.
