Flick and Barcelona’s plan for 17-year-old La Masia talent after pre-season breakthrough

Flick and Barcelona’s plan for 17-year-old La Masia talent after pre-season breakthrough

Jordi Pesquer has gone from being another name in the prolific La Masia setup to beginning to establish himself around the first team at FC Barcelona.

The left-back was one of the notable additions to Hansi Flick’s pre-season squad , a clear indication that the German coach is keeping a close eye on him.

Roadmap laid out

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo , Flick and Barcelona have a plan for Pesquer’s immediate development and long-term future once he returns from the El Albir Mini-Tournament in Alicante, where he has been representing Spain’s Under-18 side.

The idea is for him to remain with Barça Atletic, while regularly being involved with the first team, whether in training or potentially in matchday squads when required.

Pesquer particularly caught Flick’s attention because of his physical and technical qualities. He is an attack-minded, technically gifted full-back whose physical profile allows him to compete at a high level despite his age.

Jordi Pesquer impressed during pre-season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

At 1.83 metres tall, he combines his size with an ability to get forward, fitting the type of player Barça want to continue developing through La Masia . His involvement with Spain’s youth setup has strengthened his credentials.

A gradual path towards the first team

Pesquer’s presence in Flick’s training sessions in pre-season was therefore not simply the result of a temporary shortage of players.

At the same time, Barcelona do not want to accelerate his development unnecessarily. The Catalans do not view his situation as merely a promotion from one level to another.

He is not expected to become a permanent first-team option immediately, but neither is he regarded as someone whose future is exclusively with the reserves.

Flick will keep a close eye on Pesquer’s development. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Instead, Barça want Pesquer to become familiar with Flick’s demands and the intensity of first-team football while continuing to gain valuable experience with Barça Atletic.

Competition at left-back will be one of the factors determining how quickly his opportunities arrive.

Alejandro Balde’s situation has opened the door for younger players to make their case, and Xavi Espart has already stepped through that opening.

For Pesquer, the objective is therefore clear: stay at Barcelona, keep developing with the reserve side and gradually become part of Flick’s first-team environment.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →