Hansi Flick calls up 17-year-old Barcelona attacking talent to first-team training | OneFootball

As FC Barcelona kickstarted preparation for Sunday’s game against Valencia, Hansi Flick brought in a new face to training on Thursday.

Indeed, according to SPORT, the German tactician called up teenage prospect Iu Martinez into Barcelona’s first-team training on Thursday, giving the young winger an opportunity to work with the senior squad after Jesse Bisiwu’s recent setback.

Bisiwu’s injury scare has slightly altered Flick’s plans for the coming days. Although the Belgian winger avoided a serious injury while playing for Barça Atletic in the Copa Catalunya final, he has been advised to rest for a few days.

The teenage winger is a regular presence in Flick’s sessions, having joined Barcelona this summer with the intention of training regularly with the first team.

A winger built on intensity and character

With Bisiwu unavailable, Flick called up Iu Martinez for Thursday’s session. It was a demanding workout with a strong physical focus before finishing with an 11-a-side match simulation.

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Martinez, born in 2009, is an adventurous winger with the technical qualities associated with La Masia.

He is comfortable combining with teammates and has a strong understanding of the game, but his biggest attributes are his fight, intensity and passion.

Signed from Gimnastic de Manresa, Martinez is the type of player who gives everything on the pitch and is also an important figure within the dressing room.

From midfielder to winger

Martinez originally played in midfield, where he formed a particularly strong partnership with another La Masia gem, Michal Zuk.

His move into 11-a-side football brought a change of position, with Martinez settling into a wide role. The transition has allowed him to combine his understanding of the game with his natural energy and directness.

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Martinez made a particularly strong impression last summer when he became one of Barcelona’s standout players at the Mundialito, the international youth tournament featuring teams from around the world.

Barcelona’s Juvenil B eventually won the final against Racing Club of Avellaneda, with the winger playing a starring role.

His next objective is to establish himself as an important member of Pol Planas’ Juvenil A squad, And if his progress continues, the 17-year-old could also begin making appearances for Barça Atletic.

For now, however, his first opportunity to catch Flick’s eye has already arrived.