‘Dream come true’… Latest Barcelona debutant reflects on his big moment | OneFootball

Hansi Flick has shown a lot of qualities desired of an FC Barcelona manager in his first few months in charge. One of the biggest surprises from the German coach has been his incredible trust in La Masia and the fearlessness to use players from the academy irrespective of their age.

So far in his tenure, Flick has given debuts to four quarry players – Sergi Dominguez (19), Marc Bernal (17), Gerard Martin (22), and now, Andres Cuenca (17). The latter’s first chance in a Barcelona shirt came in the Champions League clash against Young Boys where he replaced Inigo Martinez for the final minutes.

It would have been an incredible moment for the 17-year-old to play for the senior team on the biggest stage in European club competitions. After the game, he gave an interview to the club’s official media, expressing how it felt to fulfill his dream. As quoted by SPORT, here is what he had to say:

“It’s a dream come true. It was a very big challenge. Very proud and grateful.”

Cuenca also made sure to mention Flick’s commitment to La Masia. The 17-year-old said that the coach’s trust in the academy works as an added incentive for the youngsters to give their everything, knowing that the opportunity could come knocking any time.

The 17-year-old is a naturally left-footed defender who excels with the ball at his feet. He is a center-back born to play for a team like Barcelona. He is far from the finished product but he has the ability to become a mainstay in the team’s defense going forward.

Having partnered Pau Cubarsi in the youth ranks, Cuenca doesn’t need to look far for inspiration. The 17-year-old has not looked back since he broke into the first team days short of his 17th birthday, playing every single game for Barcelona in the league since.

If Flick has given Cuenca the opportunity, it means that the German thinks highly of him and this is a reward for what he has been showing in training. It is important for the teenager to keep working and try and get a more prominent role.

As impressive as Iñigo Martínez has been this season, he is 33 and doesn’t have much time left at the top level. Besides the former Athletic Bilbao star, Barcelona lacks a left-footed central defender, and Cuenca can fill that void. Let’s see if Flick gives him more opportunities moving forward.