Barcelona determined not to repeat past mistakes with prized academy talent | OneFootball

Barcelona are taking a different approach to one of La Masia’s brightest young talents, with the club determined not to repeat the development issues that affected Diego Kochen. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, highly-rated goalkeeper Iker Rodriguez has earned the full confidence of both the coaching staff and the sporting department ahead of the new season.

The 18-year-old has already become a regular presence in Hansi Flick’s first-team training sessions and is set to travel with the senior squad for the club’s pre-season tour of England. 

Within the club, there is growing belief that Rodriguez is the finest goalkeeping prospect to emerge from the academy in recent years.

Flick rewards Iker Rodriguez with first-team opportunity

According to the outlet, after being called up for Friday’s double training session, the young goalkeeper remained with the senior squad the following day. 

In fact, Flick now plans to include him in Barcelona’s preparations in England as the first team continues building towards the new campaign.

Barcelona are committed to the development of Iker Rodriguez. (Picture credit: Instagram/@ikerrodriguez.01)

Club officials reportedly consider Rodriguez the standout goalkeeper produced by La Masia in recent years, and that reputation has accelerated his pathway into the senior environment.

Although Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczęsny are expected to begin the season as Barcelona’s first and second-choice goalkeepers, Rodriguez is being lined up to occupy the third spot in the senior squad.

However, that role will not come at the expense of his development.

Barcelona determined not to repeat Diego Kochen mistake

Barcelona’s handling of Rodriguez has been largely influenced by lessons learned from Diego Kochen’s progression.

Last season, Kochen frequently found himself moving between the first team and Barça Atletic, making it difficult to establish a consistent playing rhythm. 

Diego Kochen has left the club on loan. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Scheduling conflicts often prevented him from featuring regularly for either side, limiting his opportunities despite being highly regarded within the club.

Over the course of the last two seasons, his appearances remained relatively limited before he eventually left on loan in search of regular football.

Barcelona are determined to avoid putting Rodriguez in the same position.

The current plan would see the 18-year-old continue training with Flick while also remaining available for Barça Atletic whenever first-team commitments allow. 

The objective is to combine senior exposure with regular competitive minutes, ensuring his development is not interrupted.