Barcelona academy starlet rated highly by Flick patiently waiting for his first-team debut | OneFootball

FC Barcelona played their final game of 2025 on Sunday, as they beat Villarreal 2-0 at Estadio de La Ceramica, courtesy of goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

Barça went into the game without key midfielder Pedri, who was left behind at home after suffering a mild muscle discomfort.

It opened the path for manager Hansi Flick to call La Masia starlet Tommy Marques to the squad for the trip to Villarreal.

Tommy Marques waiting for his debut

It was Tommy Marques’ sixth consecutive call-up to Flick’s Barcelona first-team squad, but once again, he did not make his debut.

But, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Barça head coach has the youngster firmly in mind and is waiting for the right moment for him to take the step up.

As for Marques himself, the player is waiting patiently and with enthusiasm for his opportunity. That moment is expected to come in 2026.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tomas Marques (@tommy.marques)

The talented midfielder first appeared in Flick’s squad on 29 November against Alaves. He had been training with the senior players for several days, and the coach decided to include him due to absences in the first team.

With the exception of the UEFA Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, for which he was not registered, his name has appeared regularly in squad lists, including in the Copa del Rey.

Tommy Marques is a key figure for Juliano Belletti at Barça Atletic. With an imposing physical profile, standing at 1.86 metres tall, his steady development and reliability in play, particularly his tactical discipline and competitive nature, have convinced Flick.

The German tactician values the youngster’s tactical understanding and his ability to adapt to the different match situations.

The potential debut of Marques, potentially in 2026, fits within Flick and Barcelona’s strategy to integrating reserve team talent only when players are truly ready.