Hansi Flick's Barça's most prized possession

BarcelonaBarça's financial situation in recent years has led coaches like Hansi Flick, currently, and Xavi Hernández and Ronald Koeman, previously, to rely on La Masia. The strength of the Blaugrana team would be incomprehensible without its squad, an inexhaustible source of talent. They have also signed young players who already look like veterans, as was the case with Pedri. Preseason has allowed for the continuation of debutants who continue to establish themselves in the first team, as well as new promises who are knocking at the door, such as Dr. Fernandez or newcomer Roony Bardghji. Nearly twenty players between the ages of 17 and 24 make up an uninhibited squad that allows itself to continue dreaming of winning titles. This is Barça's great treasure.

Lamine Yamal, the jewel in the crown (18 years old)

He made his debut with Xavi at just 15 years old. He has just renewed his contract with a star player and on tour he has worn the number 10 shirt for the first time. He has already broken a long list of records for precocity. He has been the youngest starter, scorer and assist provider in La Liga, the youngest to score a brace in La Liga, the youngest debutant and scorer for Spain, the youngest Barça player to debut in the Champions League, the youngest to play in a European knockout tie, the youngest to play in a Barça-Madrid match and the youngest Barça player to join the Blaugrana. He is one of the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or.

Los Fernández (17) and Jofre Torrents (18)

Dro Fernández and his cousins Toni and Guille Fernández have had some very good minutes on the tour, as has Jofre Torrents. The former made his debut with a goal, and club coaches tell ARA that he is "Pure magic, a different player"Toni and Guille were already seen in the last preseason and Flick is giving them continuity, although Toni is ahead of him. Meanwhile, Jofre has begun to emerge at La Masia in his youth career. And the sporting directors are convinced that he could be a future replacement at left back. Iñigo Martínez's departure could benefit him in this regard.

Pau Cubarsí, a center back with the soul of a captain (18 years old)

His emergence into the first team under Xavi was a breath of fresh air in the heart of the defence. He debuted before he was even of age, but he has quickly become indispensable. Assuring in his tackles and exquisite in his delivery of the ball, with Flick he has confirmed his consolidation, although he will miss Iñigo Martínez, with whom he has formed a great partnership. He has the soul of a captain and wants to combine his university studies with top-level football.

Pedri, the beacon of Barça (22)

The current beacon of Flick's team, the Canarian footballer arrived in Barcelona in the summer of 2020 from Las Palmas. From the beginning, he became a key player for Koeman to the point of playing in the European Championship and the Olympics, an overexposure (more than 70 games in a single season) that would lead to a series of injuries in the following years. With Flick's arrival, the Canarian overcame his physical problems and once again demonstrated his quality on the pitch, becoming an undisputed player.

Marc Bernal, Busquets' heir (18)

The pivot position in a team that plays football like Barça's is perhaps one of the most difficult to fill, and Sergio Busquets was the undisputed goalkeeper for over a decade. Only a serious injury prevented Bernal from continuing to prove himself a worthy successor. He's just finishing his recovery, and the manager is eagerly awaiting him.

Two reliable backups at full-back

Héctor Fort is now 19 years old. Born and raised in Les Corts, where he lives with his parents, was in the first-team dynamic last season, but Flick hasn't fully trusted him. He'll seek a loan move to gain confidence. More experienced is Gerard Martín (23), who finished last season as a starter due to an injury to Balde and will continue with the team this year.

Bardghji, the Nordic pearl (19)

Coming from Copenhagen, the young Swedish star stands out for his great acceleration. In Denmark, he's described as a technical player with dribbling skills and a low center of gravity. However, a torn anterior cruciate ligament sidelined him for a year, making him a difficult starting position. So far, he's scored a goal in his debut during preseason.

Joan Garcia, present and future (24)

After becoming the best goalkeeper in La Liga with Espanyol, Barça paid the €25 million (plus the RRP) clause of his contract. Ter Stegen's injury opens the door for the player from Sallent to become an undisputed starter. The main concern at the moment is being able to register him. He stands out for his reflexes and arrives as the La Liga goalkeeper with the most saves last season (146).

They look like veterans, but they aren't.

The list of youngsters aged 24 or younger doesn't end with Joan Garcia. Eric Garcia is the same age, a centre-back with exquisite footwork who is developing as a full-back and can also adapt to midfield. Flick is in love. Fermín López (22) is two years younger than him, starting his third season with the first team. The Andalusian always contributes, as do Marc Casadó (22 in September) and Pablo Gavi (21), two other youngsters who complete a luxury second unit in midfield. Another Barça native who doesn't seem so by career is Alejandro Balde (22 in October), an undisputed left winger who has played his best matches for Barça under Flick.