A statistical look at how Barcelona debutants performed against Valencia | OneFootball

Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Valencia was a landmark moment for several reasons. Firstly, it marked Hansi Flick’s first competitive win as the head coach.

Secondly, it was a significant day for the club’s youth system, as three young players made their senior team debut. This match not only highlighted the potential of Barcelona’s academy but also showcased Flick’s trust in his younger players.

On this memorable Saturday, three promising talents from Barcelona’s youth ranks took to the field with the first team: Marc Bernal (17), Gerard Martin (22), and Pau Victor (22).

Additionally, Marc Casado (20) started the match, although he had previously debuted with the team last season under Xavi’s management.

In total, seven players from La Masia were involved, underscoring Flick’s commitment to nurturing young talent rather than relying heavily on external signings.

When it came to the crucial first league match against Valencia, Flick maintained his focus on youth, which proved to be a strategic decision. Now that the game is behind us, let’s delve into how the debutants performed.

Marc Bernal’s Passing Prowess

Bernal was exceptional in his debut, especially in terms of passing accuracy. After a challenging performance in the Joan Gamper Trophy where a lost ball led to a goal, Bernal made a strong comeback.

Against Valencia, he boasted an impressive 94.2% pass accuracy, completing 49 out of 52 passes. This was a remarkable achievement, given the amount of time he spent on the pitch.

Bernal formed a solid partnership with Casado in the midfield, which has led the club to reconsider the need for additional reinforcements in that area.

At just 17 years old, Bernal, alongside fellow debutants Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal, demonstrated his readiness for the first team.

Gerard Martin and Pau Victor

Pau Victor made his Barcelona debut under Hansi Flick. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Gerard Martin and Pau Victor had less impact in terms of minutes played but still made notable contributions.

Both entered the game during the second half; Martin played for nearly 30 minutes, while Victor was on the field for just four minutes. Despite the limited time, Victor managed to create a goal-scoring opportunity, which is a testament to his potential.

Martin replaced Alejandro Balde in the 65th minute after the full-back sustained a minor thigh injury.

During his time on the pitch, Martin completed 15 of 18 passes (83% accuracy), delivered a successful cross, made a key pass, and played a long ball, creating a significant chance. His performance was solid, showcasing his ability to step up when needed.

Victor, who replaced Lamine Yamal in the 87th minute, made his official LaLiga debut. Although he had previously been called up by Xavi but did not feature in matches, Victor’s pre-season form was outstanding.

As a captain and top scorer in the B team, he scored 20 goals and provided 6 assists in 39 appearances, prompting Barcelona to activate his release clause with Girona.

On the pitch for just 12 minutes, Victor completed a dribble, made 5 of 6 passes (83% accuracy), won two duels, and came close to assisting Robert Lewandowski with a well-placed cross. This near-assist highlighted his potential and skill in a brief but impactful appearance.