Barcelona’s latest La Masia pearl called up for Monaco clash was ‘trained’ by Pedri last year | OneFootball

Barcelona’s squad list for tonight’s clash against AS Monaco features two very special names – Toni Fernandez and Guille Fernandez.

The La Masia duo who recently broke records with Barça Atletic, are seen as two of the academy’s brightest talents in midfield.

With Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo’s injuries only adding to the long list of midfield absentees, the youngsters are travelling with the team hoping to make their official debuts.

With such a backdrop, SPORT brings to light a special fact about Toni and a special moment in his growth in recent years.

Trained by Pedri

As revealed by the outlet, Pedri crossed paths with Toni Fernandez and another youth player Michal Zuk and trained with them.

The session was organised under the umbrella of Adidas who sponsor all three young talents. The trio thus participated in a series of skills training, passing and even shooting disciplines with Pedri as the mentor.

Pedri ‘trained’ Toni Fernandez last season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

During the session, Toni even asked Pedri how he felt about arriving at the Barça dressing room so young and playing with Lionel Messi.

In response, the 21-year-old said: “When I met Leo I was quite nervous. It was a nice experience and a bit difficult at first because it makes you feel very shy.

“They are players that you have seen on TV for a long time in your life. There is also a big difference in training, they always give 100% and that is one of the things that changes the most.”

Pedri, one of the team captains this season, is back to his fit best after a long period and has taken a central role in Hansi Flick’s plans. Playing as part of the double pivot, he is given the freedom to venture forward and join in attack.

With the team now in an acute crisis in midfield, it remains to be seen if the coach opts to provide Toni or his cousin Guille with a debut later tonight or reserves their services for a future date.

Given his talent and quality, however, a debut is not far off for either youngster. After all, they even played a part in Flick’s pre-season tour and have shown what they are capable of.