Hansi Flick encouraged by teenage summer signing’s debut against Udinese

Barcelona played a one-of-a-kind three-way match against Udinese and Nottingham Forest as part of their pre-season preparations.

The Catalan club played 45 minutes each against the Italian and English sides, beating Forest but losing to Udinese.

One of the most exciting things for the Barça supporters from the games was the debut of Jesse Bisiwu , the club’s latest summer signing.

According to Mundo Deportivo , Bisiwu has made an encouraging first impression on Hansi Flick, with the Barça coach pleased by several aspects of his game.

Flick impressed by Bisiwu’s movement

Jesse Bisiwu is the latest winger to join Barcelona. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

Flick particularly liked Bisiwu’s movement off the ball, his willingness to attack space and his discipline in holding the width when Barcelona were in possession.

The Belgian winger showed the kind of profile Barcelona hoped they were signing.

Rather than constantly coming short for the ball, Bisiwu looked to stretch Udinese’s defensive line, making runs into space and giving Barça a more direct outlet on the flank.

That vertical threat is important in Flick’s system, where wide players are expected to create depth, attack defenders aggressively and open central spaces for midfielders and forwards.

Bisiwu also showed confidence in possession, never looking overawed by the occasion despite only recently joining the club.

Flick believes in what Bisiwu brings to the table

Flick is said to believe the youngster’s full impact is still to come.

That makes sense. Bisiwu has only just arrived, is still learning the movements of his new team-mates and has had very little time to absorb Flick’s demands.

Flick holds Bisiwu in high regards. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Even so, the signs he showed last night were positive. His ability to stay wide on the left and give Barça natural width is something different from the current options the club have in that position.

A profile Barcelona can develop

Bisiwu is not expected to become an immediate starter, but performances like this can accelerate his integration into the first-team environment.

Barça ’s plan is still to manage him carefully, giving him real exposure to Flick’s first-team squad while allowing him to develop without pressure.

For now, the biggest takeaway from his debut is that the profile is exciting. Bisiwu looked brave, direct and tactically willing, three qualities Flick values.

The final product may take time, but Barça seem to have a gem on their hands, and it is Flick’s responsibility to polish it in the coming seasons.

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