Barcelona Atletic captain’s consistency under Juliano Belletti sparks first-team speculation | OneFootball

It has not been an easy season for Juliano Belletti and Barcelona Atlètic in the fourth division by any stretch of the imagination. The manager has continuously lost a number of players to injury, including Alexis Olmedo, Guille, Landry Farré, Xavi Espart, Ureña, and Barberá, among others.

Despite the uncertainty caused by injuries and frequent call-ups to the first team, one player who has been a constant and a shining light for the reserve side is central defensive gem Álvaro Cortés.

With other Barcelona Atlètic centre-backs likely to leave in the ongoing January transfer window, Cortés may soon be the only fit and available option for Belletti at the back.

The Barca Atlètic captain chose to stay at the club despite receiving significant offers from several second- and first-division clubs in Europe. Barcelona also chose to retain him after Inigo Martinez departed the club.

He has had the chance to train with Hansi Flick’s first team on occasion while continuing to impress for Belletti’s side. He has played 15 official matches this season for the B team, missing only one through suspension and three at the start of the campaign due to participation in the U-20 World Cup.

He is yet to make the first-team debut under the German manager, but according to SPORT, he is making all the right noises to earn more opportunities under Flick.

Against Andratx last weekend, Cortés had one of his best games of the season. The left-footed centre-back scored from a corner, his second this season, highlighting his aerial prowess at set pieces.

He is a natural leader on and off the pitch and seems to have a calm head on young shoulders. Cortés definitely has the makings of a top centre-back, and the first team lacks players who naturally operate on the left side of defence.

If he can continue his good form, it is only a matter of time before Álvaro Cortés gets his chance in the Blaugrana first team. Let us wait and see how things play out on this front.