RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesBarcelona defensive talent could earn important first-team role in the new season
At the end of last season, after Barcelona had wrapped up the La Liga title, Hansi Flick gave La Masia starlet Alvaro Cortes a chance against Alaves.
The 21-year-old did not put a foot wrong throughout the game , looking like a solid left-footed central defender who was ready for the first team.
Although he may not have received another opportunity after that, Cortes left enough of an impression with that one game for the first team.
Now, according to Ferran Correas on SPORT , Barcelona could hand the La Masia talent a significant first-team opportunity this season if the club do not sign another defender before the summer transfer window closes.
Flick has confidence in the youngster
It appears that Barcelona are prepared to trust the academy graduate if no new signing arrives.
Flick trusts Alvaro Cortes. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
That would continue a clear trend under Flick, who has consistently shown a willingness to promote young players when he believes they are ready rather than signing reinforcements for the sake of adding depth.
Cortes has already impressed within the club’s youth setup, and Barcelona appear to view him as a genuine option rather than simply an emergency solution.
An opportunity created by Barcelona’s transfer plans
The youngster’s pathway depends largely on what happens in the transfer market.
If Barcelona bring in another defender, Cortes would likely find his opportunities limited.
However, should the club decide the current squad are sufficient, the door could open for him to become a regular member of the first-team rotation.
A first-team berth awaits? (Photo courtesy: Instagram/alvaarocortes)
Being a natural left-footer, he represents a profile Barça do not have enough of and would join Gerard Martin, who is the only other left-footed central defender in the squad.
That said, Cortes will have to continue impressing and showing Flick that he can play a key role from a rotation perspective.
As encouraging as his debut was against Alaves, Cortes will know that he has a long way to go before he can become a first-team regular.
It remains to be seen how the 21-year-old Spaniard fares during pre-season and how the club’s transfer plans shape his future.
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