Flick's Youth Revolution: 8 La Masia Debuts & Counting at Barca

When Hansi Flick arrived at Barcelona , many critics believed he only gave opportunities to youngsters because of necessity.

After all, with several first-team stars away either on international duty or nursing long-term injuries, the coach turned to the club’s academy.

However, the facts show a very different picture. Flick has consistently relied on homegrown players, not only when the squad was short, but as an ongoing part of his project.

In his very first season, Flick handed debuts to seven academy graduates . Across official competitions, he called up a total of 15 reserve team players .

That number continues to grow, with Flick recently giving Jofre Torrents his first minutes in Mallorca, making him the eighth youngster to debut under his management .

Alongside Torrents, another prospect, Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernández, has also been included in matchday squads, showing that Flick’s trust in La Masia is not slowing down and his debut is certainly on the cards this season.

Gerard Martin has benefited the most under Hansi Flick. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Since taking charge of the team, Flick has carefully introduced young talent into competitive matches.

His first set of debutants came all at once in the opening La Liga game against Valencia last season.

On that day, Marc Bernal, Gerard Martin and Pau Víctor all stepped onto the pitch for the senior side. That move sent a strong message that Barcelona’s academy would be at the heart of his plans.

More names soon followed. Sergi Dominguez made his debut against Real Valladolid at Montjuic, while Andres Cuenca got his first taste of action in the Champions League against Swiss side Young Boys.

Toni Fernández was Flick’s sixth debutant, featuring in a Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro. Toni remains under Flick’s watch and was even included in the squad for this season’s La Liga opener against Mallorca.

Last season closed with the debut of Dani Rodriguez, who unfortunately suffered a shoulder dislocation during the match against Valladolid.

The setback was frustrating, but the winger has already returned to training with the reserve team and remains in Flick’s plans.

This season has now started with Jofre Torrents stepping into the spotlight, becoming the eighth debutant under Flick. Yet, few doubt that many more will follow.

Jofre Torrents made his senior team debut vs Mallorca. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

For Barcelona , the pathway from La Masia to the first team has always been important, but under Flick, it feels more alive than ever.

The coach has now given 17 youngsters at least one official call-up , and more are expected to get their chance throughout the campaign.

With injuries, fixture congestion and financial limits affecting squad depth, relying on youth is both a necessity and a strategic choice.

The manager has shown that he does not just call up youngsters to fill the bench. He actively rewards hard work, talent, and consistency.

Players like Gerard Martin have become regular options, featuring in 41 matches with 59 call-ups, proving that these are not token opportunities but genuine chances to build a future with Barcelona .

Here is the list of debutants under Flick so far, with their matches and call-ups:

Flick’s commitment to Barcelona’s youth system is clear. Far from being forced into it, he is deliberately shaping the next generation of stars.

For a club that values its identity and La Masia’s role in building it, Flick’s trust in youngsters could be the key to Barcelona’s long-term success.