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Joan Laporta and his board made a seismic shift in Barcelona’s management earlier this year, taking a bold step that caught many off guard.
The appointment of Hansi Flick as head coach represents a significant departure from the traditional ‘Barcelona way’ and marks a stark contrast to Xavi’s philosophy.
The German tactician only recently conducted his first training session as Barcelona’s coach. With several key players unavailable, Flick has a unique opportunity to closely evaluate some of the squad’s fringe players and rising talents.
Barcelona are in dire need of sales this summer, and players not yet guaranteed a spot in the first team undoubtedly take precedence as potential departures. The ongoing pre-season, however, provides a stage for them to stake a claim on a place in the manager’s plans.
Barça Universal brings you a list of five players who must step up and impress Flick this month to earn a place in the squad.
Ansu Fati
Time to step up for Ansu Fati. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)Fresh from an underwhelming loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, Fati faces an uphill battle to reclaim his place in Barcelona’s first team.
The young forward has been working hard on his fitness and has come a considerable distance from his former injury-prone self. However, he is yet to rediscover his best form in the final third, and many believe he may never regain his former level.
With the Catalans looking for a promising new left-winger, Fati can perfectly fill that void in theory. The onus of proving that he still has it in him, however, rests solely on himself, and the next two weeks will be critical.
Noah Darvich
Set for an opportunity under Flick. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images for DFB)Hansi Flick’s arrival at Barcelona has naturally sparked discussions about Noah Darvich’s potential ascent within the club. The German youngster stands to benefit significantly from the guidance of the former Bayern Munich manager.
At just 17 years old, Darvich has took his time to adapt in Rafa Marquez’s Barça Atletic side but got better with time. Despite fierce competition for midfield spots in the senior squad, the youngster may find a window of opportunity during this pre-season.
Pedri and Gavi will likely miss pre-season due to their injuries, while Flick will also be without Fermin Lopez’s services as the youngster will participate in the Olympic Games in Paris.
The absence of most first-teamers thus opens the door for Darvich, who may get his chances as the No. 10.
Pablo Torre
Can Torre turn his situation around? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Like Darvich, Torre is another young talented midfielder who can hope to capitalize on the team’s dire lack of resources in midfield for pre-season. Having spent last season on loan at Girona, he may well have the edge with more top-flight experience.
Playing for Michel’s side last season, the 21-year-old made 26 appearances for the Catalan side and recorded two assists in the process. Considering that he averaged under half an hour per game, his average of 0.5 key passes per match is worth mentioning.
And, the switch to a 4-2-3-1 under Flick and a chance to play as a No. 10 could be a turning point for a player who reportedly has no place in the plans for now.
Julian Araujo
Julian Araujo will be vying for the backup right-back spot. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Not many saw Julian Araujo’s impressive season at Las Palmas coming. Now, the 22-year-old has returned to Catalonia a far more mature and consistent performer, but he is still not guaranteed a place in Flick’s plans.
Jules Kounde has stepped up in the right-back position in recent times and even shone for France in the Euros playing in the same department. If Barcelona cannot sign Joao Cancelo once more, he could well continue as the team’s first-choice right-back.
Araujo is thus now competing for the role of the team’s backup right-back with Hector Fort and must look to maximize the ongoing pre-season. Flick’s decision will likely depend on the Mexican star’s performances and quality over the coming weeks.
Alex Valle
Alex Valle could be Alejandro Balde’s backup. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)If Barcelona learned one lesson from the past year, it is that the team needs a backup left-back option.
Alejandro Balde’s injury last season forced Joao Cancelo to forfeit his position at right-back and cover on the left side, and Flick will thus look to ensure that he has a quality backup available this campaign.
Alex Valle appears a strong candidate on that front. The youngster spent last season on loan at Levante and impressed with seven clean sheets and an average of close to 12 defensive actions per game.
A strong pre-season campaign can thus solidify Valle’s role as Balde’s backup for next season. With the first-choice left-back just recovering from a long-term injury, the 20-year-old will certainly get his chances.
