La Masia defender set for Barcelona first-team debut against Alaves | OneFootball

FC Barcelona may already have secured the league title, but Hansi Flick’s side are not easing off in the closing weeks of the season.

The objective inside the club is now crystal clear: reach the 100-point mark, a feat achieved only twice before in La Liga history.

After lifting the trophy following victory in El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou, Barça head to the Mendizorrotza Stadium, where they face an Alaves side fighting desperately for survival tonight.

Alvaro Cortees to start vs Alaves

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona academy defender Alvaro Cortes is set to start tonight against Alaves, making his first-team debut for the club.

Manager Hansi Flick intends to use the final stretch of the campaign to reward young talent from the academy. And, young Cortes will be one of those players.

The young La Masia centre-back has been included in several matchday squads during the second half of the season but has not yet made an official appearance for the senior side. That is now expected to change in Vitoria.

Alvaro Cortes set to start vs Alaves. (Picture credit: Instagram/@alvaarocortes)

Flick’s plan involves resting the heavily used defensive pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin after the demanding recent months.

Cortes, who has captained Barça Atletic this season, has been one of the standout performers under Juliano Belletti, and will step into the team.

The defender is regarded internally as a highly complete centre-back: physically strong in duels, dominant in the air, left-footed and comfortable playing out from the back. He has also become an important weapon from set-pieces, scoring three goals this season.

Barcelona’s commitment to youth development is likely to continue throughout the match.

Other academy players, such as Tommy Marques and Xavi Espart, could also receive minutes. Both have already made official appearances for the first team this season, with Espart even starting against Sevilla earlier in the campaign.