New Delhi: Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is grappling with a major midfield challenge as the team gears up for post-international break fixtures. The Blaugrana have been dealt a significant blow due to a spate of injuries, leaving their midfield depth severely compromised.
With limited options at his disposal, Flick may be forced to dip into the club’s youth academy to bolster his midfield ranks as the Blaugrana squad has been hit hard by injuries. The situation poses a significant challenge for the Catalan giants, who will be aiming to maintain their momentum in the coming weeks.
The promising midfielder Marc Bernal sustained a serious injury last week that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. This turned out to be a huge blow to the team as Bernal was expected to play a key role in Barcelona’s squad.
To make matters worse in the midfield Fermin Lopez also sustained an injury while playing for the Spanish national team. He will be unavailable until September 25 for a minimum of three weeks. This leaves Barcelona with only four fit midfielders- Marc Casado, Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Pablo Torre. Hansi Flick is left with few choices and may have to rely on players from Barcelona’s youth academy to step up.
Let’s take a look at three young players Flick can pick to fill the void:
Aleix Garrido
Aleix Garrido of FC Barcelona passes the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on April 01, 2023 in Elche, Spain. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
The 20-year-old midfielder has recently been named one of the captains of Barca Athletic. Last season also Aleix Garrido made 23 appearances and contributed a goal and four assists for Rafa Marquez’s team. He possesses a class on the pitch and is known for his hard work. His vision and passing abilities have earned him the nickname “little magician”.
To treat a recurrent ailment to his left foot Garrido had surgery in July. But he is now totally healthy and ready to establish himself in the starting lineup. Garrido may have the opportunity to have a significant influence at the top level with the present lack of midfield players.
Unai Hernandez
Unai Hernandez of FC Barcelona Atletic with the ball during the Primera RFEF Play Off Final 1st Leg match between FC Barcelona Atletic and Cordoba CF at Estadi Johan Cruyff on June 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Unai Hernandez, the 19-year-old, is another young talent who could be called upon by Hansi Flick in the coming weeks. Hernandez scored the opening goal wearing the captain’s armband. He played a key role in Barca Athletic’s friendly win against Hospitalet.
He has shown exceptional versatility by playing both in central midfield and on the left flank under Rafa Marquez’s guidance. Given the dearth of choices in midfield right now, Flick might be the ideal person to give Unai Hernandez an opportunity to shine on a major platform.
Pau Prim
Pau Prim of FC Barcelona in action during the pre-season friendly match between Vissel Kobe and Barcelona at National Stadium on June 06, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images)
In the midfield for Barça Athletic, Pau Prim has also been improving particularly after Marc Bernal and Marc Casado were promoted to the starting squad. He made two starts in the season’s opening games against Real Union de Irun and Andorra and has made no secret of his desire to earn a starting position on the club. The 18-year-old played primarily for Oscar Lopez’s Juvenil A squad last season earning just 26 appearances and 356 minutes of action overall for Barça Athletic.
Despite this Pau Prim is determined to make his mark this season and push for a place in Hansi Flick’s first team which could turn out as a turning point in Prim’s career. He can provide him with the opportunity to showcase his talents.
In conclusion, with injuries drastically depleting Barcelona’s midfield, Flick finds himself in a difficult situation. With Fermin Lopez and Marc Bernal being out of the picture, Flick needs to look for other options. Flick needs to explore alternative options and look to the club’s youth academy.
The young players Aleix Garrido, Pau Prim, and Unai Hernandez could step up and help Barcelona through this difficult time. Even though it is unclear how Flick will handle the issue, one thing is certain: these young players have a fantastic chance to establish themselves in the first team.
Barcelona faces midfield crisis due to injuries. Hansi Flick may need to rely on youth talents like Aleix Garrido, Unai Hernandez, and Pau Prim to fill the void. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
