Three players who have impressed Hansi Flick in pre-season so far | OneFootball

Hansi Flick is no stranger when it comes to the potential of La Masia youngsters, which is why the Barcelona coach has once again called up a host of young players as part of the club’s pre-season preparations this summer.

With the first team lacking depth in certain areas, Flick is once again counting on La Masia to plug those gaps. And it appears the coach is already impressed by the progression of three players in particular.

Who are these three players?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick singled out three youngsters for praise during the training camp at St George’s Park: Xavi Espart, Ebrima Tunkara and Orian Goren.

“Tunkara is a great talent, as is Orian Goren. And Xavi Espart played very well both against Birmingham and in training. He’s top-level,” Flick noted.

Ebrima Tunkara

Ebrima Tunkara has impressed Flick this summer. (Picture credit: Instagram/@ebrimatunkara10)

At just 16 and standing at 1.78 metres, Tunkara is regarded within the club as one of the most dynamic talents in the entire academy.

The left-footer typically operates as an attacking midfielder or on either wing, and is valued for his vision, his ability to receive under pressure, his knack for finding space and his precise passing.

His rise has been meteoric, moving from Cadete A to Juvenil A in successive seasons, and he is expected to feature for Barca Atletic under Juliano Belletti this term. Despite interest from agents, his sole focus is succeeding in Barcelona colours.

Orian Goren

Having just turned 17, Goren has caught Flick’s eye with his technical ability, control and personality on the ball.

The 1.78-metre midfielder is naturally right-footed but comfortable with his left, and has impressed with his intelligent movement both in space and under pressure.

He joined Barcelona in 2022 and, like Tunkara, progressed from Cadete A to Juvenil A, showing tremendous development along the way. He is contracted until 2028.

Xavi Espart

Espart could be a viable first-team option for Barcelona next season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Compared to the other two, Espart is something of a veteran, having already made his first-team debut against Newcastle in the Champions League in March.

The 19-year-old right-back, who can also operate in central midfield, is praised for his reliability, his attacking runs and his effectiveness as a presser.

Of the three, he arguably has the best chance of cementing a first-team role, and with question marks over Barcelona’s right-back options, he could yet force his way into Flick’s plans this season, potentially as an understudy to Joao Cancelo, who is expected to join on a permanent deal.