Barcelona fans got their first look at Hansi Flick’s new regime on Tuesday night, as they drew 2-2 with Manchester City. Only Inaki Pena, Hector Fort and Vitor Roque who received any game time last season started the match in a youthful looking outfit, but several players will have done their chances of being worked into Hansi Flick’s thinking.
The Blaugrana beat Olot 1-0 in a friendly last week, but that was behind closed doors, and so what fans saw was a fairly clear 4-2-3-1, with moments of aggressive pressing, although Manchester City hemmed them in deep in the opening stages. The front two were active in their pressing too, and shutting down progression through the midfield.
Atlético Madrid have started conversation's with Lenglet's camp and Barcelona, and the player is willing to join them. @Santi_J_FM
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 31, 2024
With the ball, Barcelona took 25 passes to construct their first goal, but were relatively incisive when the opportunity presented itself, with little in the way of meandering possessions. Several players impressed during the match.
Pablo Torre
The 21-year-old scored the winner against Olot, and found the bottom corner against Ederson just before half-time. The more direct style suited Torre, who was active, and pressed well, something he struggled with at Girona last year.
Pau Victor
Barca Atletic’s top scorer last season, the 22-year-old has been brought back from Girona, and made his case to stay in the first team this season. He was also solid in his defensive work, made good runs and finished smoothly for the opener. His dummy for Torre’s goal was excellent.
"I am very happy, it is a day that I will remember all my life. I hope to continue like this and help the team in whatever way is needed. I hope it will be an exciting season, I am very motivated, I want to show that I can be here."
Pau Victor after scoring against #ManCity.👇 pic.twitter.com/kJBQDExeuk
— Football España (@footballespana_) July 31, 2024
“Barca is the best place where I can grow. I will ask my teammates to sign the ball for me, it reminded me of my family, my partner, my friends, who have stayed up until late,” he told Sport.
Marc Casado
Captain of Barca Atletic, with Barcelona looking like they may go without a more defensive or battling presence in the transfer market, a unique opportunity is in the offing. Casado needs to show can be that presence, and he was aggressive and competent against one of the best teams around.
Marc Bernal
If Casado seems like a potential answer in midfield this season, Bernal is always tipped as a long-term solution. The imposing 17-year-old looked right at home, and at times, set the tempo for Barcelona. He will like his chances of minutes too.
Clement Lenglet
He might not be at Barcelona much longer, but with Ronald Araujo out for most of 2024, Andreas Christensen potentially used in midfield, Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi at the Olympics… You never know. The other three defenders in the back four had an average age of just 19, and Lenglet marshalled the back line well – any trouble came from the other side.
I have never doubted Pablo Torre, the boy is a gem but xavi was just personal with him as he was with rocke and rui puig. Plz keep Torre he’s a star. Why is it difficult to spot obvious talent