Barcelona 18-year-old wonderkid aiming to earn a first-team spot under Flick

Pre-season games are a crucial time for young players to demonstrate their abilities and prove they are ready for important matches. One such player making the most of this opportunity is Hector Fort. 

Today, the full-back celebrates his 18th birthday, and he is part of the squad currently touring the United States. He is keen to show coach Hansi Flick that he deserves a spot in the first team, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Fort, who can play as a right-back as well as a left-back, is taking full advantage of the playing time he has been given during this pre-season. 

Last Wednesday, he played the entire first half against Manchester City. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but Barcelona won 4-1 on penalties. Fort left a positive impression with his performance on the field.

Making the most of the opportunities

With Joao Cancelo not available for the Barcelona defence, there is a good chance that Flick will give Fort more opportunities to play on the right side of the defence. The manager is interested in seeing how the young Catalan player develops during the pre-season.

Hector Fort wants to impress Hansi Flick during pre-season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Last season, the 18-year-old had a notable presence with Barça Atletic, where he played 17 games during both the regular season and the playoff for promotion to the Second Division. He managed to score two goals and provided one assist in those matches. 

Additionally, he gained valuable experience by playing 10 games with the first team. This included seven appearances in La Liga, two in the Copa del Rey, and one in the Champions League, where he contributed three assists in total.

The pre-season tour in the United States is an excellent platform for Fort to show his potential and convince Flick that he is ready for more significant roles in the upcoming season. 

The young right-back is determined to seize this opportunity and make a lasting impression on his coach.