Hansi Flick could hand 19-year-old Barcelona talent his first start vs Valladolid | OneFootball

With several first-team players sidelined and a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan looming, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has turned to the club’s academy for reinforcements for tonight’s La Liga match against Real Valladolid.

Indeed, the German tactician has called up three youth players – Landry Farre, Noah Darvich, and Dani Rodriguez – for the trip to Estadio Jose Zorrilla for the game.

It is very likely that one or more of the three youth players could make their debut tonight against the Pucela, who have officially been relegated from La Liga already.

Rodriguez to start?

In fact, according to Ferran Correas of SPORT, Rodriguez may even get the nod to start for Barcelona against Real Valladolid tonight.

The 19-year-old Basque winger is seen internally as one of the standout talents in Barça’s La Masia youth setup.

A left-footer with excellent dribbling skills, Rodriguez brings flair, creativity, and a strong shot. He is a versatile operator, capable of playing on either wing or in more central attacking roles.

Though he was originally more of an interior midfielder when he joined La Masia from Real Sociedad’s academy at 14, his evolution into a dangerous winger has caught the eye of the coaching staff.

Rodriguez was already called up to train under Xavi Hernández last season and has now won the trust of Flick, who could hand him his first-team debut tonight at Zorrilla.

In fact, there is even talk of the 19-year-old being part of the senior squad’s pre-season preparations this summer, with a potential first-team promotion also on the cards.

Despite missing 24 games this season due to injury, Rodriguez has impressed in his limited appearances – scoring three goals and providing three assists in just ten matches for Barça Atletic.

The youngster’s potential debut, possibly as a starter, would be both a reward for his resilience and a clear signal that the club sees him as part of its future.

So much so that, Barcelona extended his contract last summer until June 2027, fending off interest from Real Sociedad and Athletic Club.