Much has been discussed during the pre-season about the midfield ‘overcrowding’ in the first team, but against Valencia, Hansi Flick will face significant absences in this area. De Jong and Gavi are unlikely to be part of the squad for this fourth round of the championship, and although Marc Bernal could return, his comeback will be very gradual.
Given this scenario, the young talents Dro, Toni Fernández, and Guille could gain importance in Flick’s plans. The three have been in the German coach’s plans since the start of the pre-season, and although none have played in the first three matches, Hansi is counting on them.
During the pre-season friendlies, Dro and Toni showcased their technical skills and flair, while Guille had fewer minutes but also impressed the coaching staff with his versatility and ability to cover a lot of ground and reach the opponent’s area.
In Sunday’s match against Porreres, Dro displayed a superb level of understanding of the game, while Toni carried the team on his shoulders. Guille wasn’t as brilliant but fulfilled his duties.
In today’s training, the trio practiced under Hansi Flick’s orders, and all indications are that they will be in the squad for Sunday’s match (9 PM) against Valencia. As of now, Casadó, Bernal, Pedri, Olmo, and Fermín are the available first team midfielders, but since Bernal hasn’t played a single minute this season, Flick needs alternatives for the midfield.
The Blaugrana coach has also welcomed back the Spanish internationals who have returned from their matches in Bulgaria and Turkey.
Flick now counts on the presence of Cubarsí, Pedri, Fermín, Olmo, Ferran, and Lamine Yamal.
Regarding the three young talents vying for first-team spots, the coaching staff is impressed with the tactical solutions they offer. Toni can play as an attacking midfielder, right-winger, or left-winger, and in the future, he could play as a false ‘9’. In Flick’s system, Dro could play as an attacking midfielder, left-winger, and interior, while Guille could play in all three midfield positions and up front as a left-winger or false ‘9’. All three are still second-year juveniles, but their talent, versatility, and character have won Flick over.
Could they debut in the league this Sunday? Don’t rule it out.
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