21-year-old Barcelona defender could receive more opportunities this year under Hansi Flick – Report | OneFootball

Alvaro Cortes could become one of the next La Masia defenders to earn a more regular place around FC Barcelona’s first team, particularly if the club decides not to sign another centre-back this summer.

According to SPORT, Hansi Flick values the 21-year-old highly and believes his physical profile gives Barca an option that is not always easy to find within the academy.

Cortes is a left-footed centre-back with considerable physical strength. He is considered reliable in the air, aggressive in individual duels and comfortable defending direct situations against powerful forwards.

Those qualities could be useful for Flick, whose high defensive line often leaves centre-backs exposed in large spaces. Barca defenders need more than technical security. They must also win duels, defend crosses and recover quickly when opponents break through the press.

Cortes made his senior debut during the closing stages of last season, playing the full 90 minutes against Alaves. Completing the entire match was an important sign of trust, especially in a position where small errors can be heavily punished.

His next step will be to prove that the performance was not simply a one-off opportunity. Pre-season offers him the chance to train regularly under Flick, understand the demands of the first-team structure and show that he can compete with more experienced defenders.

Squad planning could create an opening

Barcelona’s transfer decisions will have a direct impact on Cortes. Should the club sign another established centre-back, his opportunities could become limited. If no defender arrives, however, he may be asked to provide depth over the course of a long season.

That would fit Barca’s recent approach. Financial limitations have encouraged the club to trust La Masia, but many of those decisions have also been justified on sporting grounds. Young players have shown that they can contribute when given clear roles and proper support.

Cortes should not be rushed into taking on major responsibility, yet his profile is intriguing. A strong, left-footed central defender can improve the balance of the back line and offer Flick greater flexibility when rotating his squad.