Hansi Flick’s Barcelona vision is supported by numbers on youth integration | OneFootball

Barcelona’s recent match in Barbastro brought not only a sporting victory but also an emotional start to 2025 for the Catalan side.

It was a special occasion for young Toni Fernandez, who etched his name in the club’s history books.

At just 16 years, 5 months, and 17 days, the talented forward became the second youngest debutant for Barcelona, following in the footsteps of Lamine Yamal, who holds the record.

An unforgettable night

Toni, a versatile forward, is not just another promising talent from La Masia. His adaptability allows him to play in multiple roles, including as a centre forward, right winger, or even an attacking midfielder.

In the Barbastro match, manager Hansi Flick positioned him on the right wing when he came on as a substitute for Pablo Torre.

Toni Fernandez made his debut under Hansi Flick. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

Despite having only 10 minutes on the pitch, Toni impressed by completing all six of his attempted passes, showcasing composure and confidence beyond his years.

Flick loves to test young players

The German coach has been keeping a close eye on the young prodigy. Toni Fernandez was among the youth players selected to join the pre-season tour in the United States, an opportunity that highlighted his potential.

Additionally, he has been included in Barcelona’s B list for the Champions League, signalling the trust the club places in his abilities.

Toni’s debut is part of a broader trend under Flick, who has consistently given opportunities to La Masia graduates and Toni was the sixth player from La Masia who debuted under the German.

Players like Marc Bernal, Gerard Martin, Pau Victor, Sergi Dominguez, and Andres Cuenca have all been handed chances to prove themselves in recent months, highlighting the manager’s focus on nurturing young talent.

For Toni, this is only the beginning. His journey at Barcelona appears promising, with the club and its supporters excited to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the team in the future.