Barcelona’s pre-season tour confirms early favourites under Hansi Flick for 2025/26 season | OneFootball

Barcelona closed their pre-season tour of Asia in dominant fashion with a 5-0 win over

Daegu FC, and while the scoreline impressed fans, it is the team selections from Hansi Flick that gave the clearest message.

The German coach seems to have already identified a core group of players he considers untouchable, and others who might struggle to see regular minutes in the upcoming campaign.

Now, it is normal during pre-season to rotate squads and test different combinations, but Flick has shown a clear pattern. His starting lineups have been strong, featuring players who could easily start any major competitive fixture.

In fact, only four players were trusted to start in all matches during the tour, namely, Joan Garcia, Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha.

These four appear to have earned the manager’s full trust as the 2025/26 season gets underway.

Garcia takes charge in goal

Joan Garcia’s role is the most telling. The goalkeeper, recently brought in to challenge for the number one shirt, has started every game on tour.

Joan Garcia will be Barcelona’s first choice goalkeeper. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

Flick seems confident that Garcia is ready to lead from the back, even if he is still adapting to Barcelona’s bold, attacking style. The message is clear that Garcia is the first choice in goal moving forward.

In defence, Balde remains the standout option at left-back. Despite strong performances from Gerard Martín, who impressed in a new left centre-back role with two assists, and the rise of young talent Jofre Torrents, Balde continues to hold that position firmly.

Lamine Yamal is irreplaceable

Up front, there is no question about Lamine Yamal’s status. Handed the number 10 shirt, the teenage sensation owns the right wing and has made that position his own.

On the left, Raphinha remains a key figure in Flick’s plans. However, there’s growing interest around how the arrival of Marcus Rashford could shake things up.

The Brazilian’s tendency to move inside could open the door for Rashford to find space and minutes out wide.

As Barcelona return to Spain, the tour has done more than build fitness, as it has made it clear who Hansi Flick will count on when the season begins. The foundation is set, and the battle for the remaining spots is heating up.