Young player debuts
Marc Bernal, Gerard Martín and Pau Víctor. Three key players in FC Barcelona's 2-1 win away to Valencia. Three names that highlight young players' importance in Flick's project.
La Masia has again taken centre stage. The first successful youth graduate was Marc Bernal. Aged just 17 years old and still an under-18 player, the midfielder became the first from La Masia to debut in a competitive match under Flick as the blaugrana coach.
Bernal: "La Masia made all this possible"
With the number 28 on his back, he celebrated his story so far at the Club. He wasn't even seven years old when he arrived at La Masia. Moving smoothly through every youth level at Barça, and completely missing out the U18s after going from the U15s straight to Barça Atlètic, he has now reached the first team. "It's a special and unforgettable moment that you have dreamed of since you are little", expressed a happy Marc Bernal, before going on to highlight La Masia's importance, "It helps both personally and on the pitch; it makes all this possible".
Gerard Martín: "I am proud to debut for Barça"
Gerard Martín was next to take to the pitch. Showing penetration and providing pinpoint crosses, the defender was another key name involved in the victory at the Mestalla stadium. He came on in the 63rd minute wearing number 35 to bring energy to the blaugranes' left fullback position. An ever-present last season for Barça Atlètic - the common denominator for all three who made their debut, with all singing the praises of the work done by the development team's staff - the locally born player also showed his delight with his first team debut. "I've been a Barça fan since I was little and it's a dream come true", stated Gerard Martín, happy with his on-pitch performance.
Pau Víctor: "I will always remember this moment"
After an outstanding 2023/24 season with Barça Atlètic, Pau Víctor was rewarded with his first competitive appearance for the first team. The preseason top scorer took to the pitch wearing the number 18 for the final minutes of the first LaLiga game of the season. "It's another dream come true. I'm going through a good period at the moment, enjoying football. You can't ask for more when you make your debut for Barça in LaLiga; I will always remember this moment", explained a beaming Pau Víctor.
These debuts came because of the work put in by these young players. However, as both Pau Víctor and Marc Bernal remarked, there is no time for resting on your laurels, the work has to continue.