Nine Young Talents Make Their First Team Debut

La Masia shines under the direction of Hansi Flick: Nine young talents make their debut in the first team

FC Barcelona bets on its youth team while the new generation makes a place for itself in professional football

Since the arrival of Hansi Flick to the FC Barcelona bench in the summer of 2024, the tradition of La Masia remains alive and strengthens. The German coach has shown a firm conviction in trusting the youth players, which has resulted in the debut of nine footballers trained at this prestigious school. The most recent to make the jump to the first team is Xavi Espart, who has begun to leave his mark on the elite of Spanish football.

In his first season in charge, Flick debuted several youngsters, starting with Marc Bernalwho made his debut in an exciting match against Valencia on August 17, 2024. This initial group was joined by Sergi Domínguez, Andrés Cuenca, Toni Fernández and Dani Rodriguezwho also began to forge their paths in the first team. This season, called 2025-2026, they have joined the list Jofre Torrents, Dro, Tommy Marqués and the already mentioned Xavi Espart.

Marc Bernal, after a year away from the playing field due to a knee injury, has shown his determination by returning to the first team dynamic. He has participated in 27 games and scored five goals, establishing himself as a key player in the squad due to the absence of Frenkie de Jong. His performance has earned him a call-up to the U-21 team, reflecting his growing relevance in national football.

However, not all stories are success stories. Dro Fernández, one of La Masia's most promising players, surprised the club by signing for PSG shortly after turning 18. Although his transfer was significant, with a figure close to 8 million euros, his impact on the new club has been limited, participating in only a few minutes in the Champions League and scoring a goal in La Ligue 1.

The situation of Sergi Dominguez It has been different. Transferred to Dinamo Zagreb in June 2025, a percentage of the capital gain was reserved for a future sale. He made his official debut in a League match and has accumulated 33 games in total, standing out with two goals and two assists. His experience in the first team has been valuable and his evolution will be closely followed by the culés fans.

Andrés Cuenca, for his part, renewed his contract until 2027 and was loaned to Sporting de Gijón to gain experience. His debut in the first team took place on October 1, 2024, although he has only been able to participate in one match due to a muscle injury that has kept him out of action.

Toni Fernández has lived a season marked by ups and downs. After making his debut in the Copa del Rey and becoming the second youngest player to do so, he suffered an injury that hindered his continuity. This left-footed winger has accumulated minutes at Barça Atlètic, where he has demonstrated his quality with three goals and seven assists this campaign.

The trajectory of Tommy Marques It has also been interesting. Called up 19 times by Hansi Flick, he has had few opportunities on the field, managing to intervene in a single match for six minutes. His ability to impress the manager is clear, but the competition in the first team is fierce.

Finally, the debut of Xavi Espart It was memorable. Despite being called up eight times before his big break, his first official appearance came in a crucial Champions League match against Newcastle. Since then, he has begun to make a name for himself, starting in a match against Sevilla and adding minutes in another match against Rayo Vallecano.

With these debuts, Hansi Flick is not only giving opportunities to La Masia's young talents, but also seems to have a clear vision of how to integrate these new players into his project. The future of FC Barcelona could be in the hands of this new generation, which promises to return the club to the path of success.

FAQ

How many La Masia players have debuted under Hansi Flick?
A total of nine players have debuted since their arrival.

Who is the last to debut with the first team?
Xavi Espart is the latest player to make his official debut.

What impact has Marc Bernal had after his return?
Bernal has played 27 games and scored five goals, becoming a key player.

Why did Dro Fernández leave FC Barcelona?
He decided to sign for PSG, surprising many fans and the club's management.

What is the current situation of Sergi Domínguez?
Domínguez was transferred to Dinamo Zagreb, where he has had an outstanding participation.

What injuries have affected Toni Fernández and Andrés Cuenca?
Toni suffered an ankle injury and Cuenca a muscle injury that limited his playing time.

What opportunities has Tommy Marqués had in the first team?
Marqués has been called up 19 times, but has only played six minutes in a game.

Has Xavi Espart had a good start in his professional career?
Yes, after his debut in the Champions League, he has continued to add minutes and valuable experiences.

How is FC Barcelona preparing for the future?
Betting on their youth team and giving confidence to young talents, as Hansi Flick demonstrates.

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