“I’ve earned it”: Barcelona academy defender speaks after becoming latest first-team debutant

Barcelona’s centre-back situation is far from ideal. With Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen ruled out for the long term and Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia preferred in alternate positions, Hansi Flick is starved of squad depth.

The team’s lack of clear backup centre-backs has opened the doors to the academy where the manager has picked out Sergi Dominguez.

After playing in all three of the team’s games in the United States, the 19-year-old centre-back made his official debut for the first team earlier this week against Real Valladolid.

He came on for the final 30 minutes at Montjuic and recorded 32 accurate touches, one clearance and completed 100% of his long balls attempted

Dominguez relives his debut

Speaking to the media after his special night at Estadi Olimpic de Lluis Companys, the young centre-back revealed how it was always a dream of his to represent the first team and how it felt to fulfil his dream.

“Since I arrived at Barça, and even before, I already dreamed of this day. And on Saturday it came true. It’s a pride and I’m very happy.”

“I am very grateful to my family and to all those who have made it possible. I have trained hard,” he added.

Quizzed on whether he imagined making his debut so early on in the season, the La Masia defender revealed that it was not something he expected.

“It was a surprise, I didn’t expect to be here from the beginning and train. I’ve earned it and I’m very happy.”

Finally, Dominguez showered praise on the team’s new management under Hansi Flick and what the German tactician brought to the table.

“He is very close, he and the whole staff. They have been very attentive, asking us, with a smile, how we were. And they are very hardworking.”

Source: MARCA