Flick explains decision to hand Barcelona wonderkid his debut vs Real Sociedad – ‘He’s doing very well’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona unveiled the starting lineup for the game against Real Sociedad just a while back.

One of the major surprises saw 17-year-old wonderkid Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’ getting named in the starting lineup – making his official first-team debut for the Catalans.

Dro was one of the revelations of the pre-season in the summer and has continued in the first-team dynamics since. And, his potential has been rewarded with his first start in La Liga, with the teenager getting the nod over Dani Olmo in the No. 10 role.

Speaking to Movistar+ ahead of the game, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick explained his decision to start Dro against Real Sociedad, praising the youngster’s performances in training.

“Dro is doing very well. He has the ability to control the ball well and has the capacity to do very well,” he said, as quoted by MARCA.

Dro making his official debut. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

Lamine Yamal made it back to the squad after missing the last four games through injury, but was not included in the starting XI.

But Flick did admit that the 18-year-old rising superstar will see some action later in the game, saying:

“It’s important that he can play. We’ll see if we can get him in for 20 or 30 minutes. He’ll play depending on the context of the match. We have to distribute the minutes among all the players.”

As for Barcelona’s chance to take the top spot in the La Liga table, following Real Madrid’s loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, the German tactician noted:

“The season is very long, and we’re focused on today’s match.”