Barcelo boss Hansi Flick has already affirmed that one of the young talents in the academy Toni Fernandez will also play in the next match against Girona, but his position in this game is yet to be determined.
“Where will Toni play? Whether it is as a false nine or on the wing we will see, said Flick before the match. “He deserves to play today. He is no new to the squad dynamic and he is a well-trained person.
Flick comments at an opportune moment when Barcelona are searching a severe injury crisis before the must-win match prior to the showdown with Real Madrid before the end of the week. The German coach has had a way of slowly integrating the young players into the first team training demonstrating a strong belief in the next generation of La Masia.
Wounds Crippled Youth Movement
Barcelo will be devoid of a number of important names this weekend. Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski are among those who are already injured and so their names have added to those of Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Joan Garcia and Raphinha.
Although Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are nearly fit, Flick will hardly gamble them as El Clasico is imminent. Consequently, a number of academy players will rise to fight Girona.
Toni Fernandez is the Head of the New Wave
Toni Fernandez appears to play a significant role now that Flick has no choice but to attack. This young forward has also shown his technical maturity and hard-working spirit in the training field to impress the coaching staff.
Based on the formation of Barcelona, Toni may find the use of a false nine or wing formation, which enables him to display his speed and creativity. His inclusion is a reward to his persistent effort and a strategic decision which is necessitated by the need.
Other Mixtes in the Name of La Masia
It is also possible that Flick transfers opportunities to other academy stars, such as Pedro “Dro” Fernandez and Juan Hernandez (Diario SPORT).
Pedro Dro Fernandez: A talented attacking midfielder, who has already played his debut in the preseason of Barcelona and already in the competitions. Dro may also be deployed in the No. 10 position behind Marcus Rashford in place of Olmo and Gavi since he is likely to spearhead the attack.
Juan Hernandez: A versatile player that can be deployed in the middle of the field and attack. His flexibility might be used as a valuable replacement in the future, although he is less likely to begin.
Flick’s Vision for the Future
It is also evident as Flick is ready to trust the young players because it is the strategy of a combination of the old philosophy of Barcelona La Masia and new disciplined tactics. His strategy is an indication that the youth development is one of the pillars of the club.
With Barcelona going into Girona with an understaffed team, the fans might be in the beginning of a new era in the hands of the young homegrown players such as Toni Fernandez and Dro.
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