Highly-rated La Masia starlet gets taste of first-team football against Europa – Report | OneFootball

Ebrima Tunkara took another significant step in his rapid rise through FC Barcelona’s academy after finding the net in the club’s first preseason friendly against CE Europa.

The 16-year-old midfielder scored Barcelona’s third goal in the 4-1 victory behind closed doors, continuing to justify the growing excitement surrounding one of La Masia’s brightest young talents.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Tunkara was personally selected by Hansi Flick to join the first-team preseason after impressing the German coach, who had the final say on every academy player invited to train with the senior squad.

Tunkara’s path to Barcelona has been anything but ordinary.

Born in Gambia, he spent his early childhood playing football barefoot in the streets of Lamoi before his family relocated to Mataro in Catalonia in 2017. After adapting quickly to life in Spain, he joined Barcelona’s academy in 2018 and has steadily progressed through the youth ranks ever since.

The midfielder signed his first professional contract earlier this year and was informed in May that he would be part of the first team’s preseason plans.

On the pitch, Tunkara combines technical quality with outstanding athleticism.

Naturally an attacking midfielder but also capable of playing out wide, he has already earned recognition on the international stage after being named the best player at this summer’s UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Barcelona have every reason to be patient

The temptation after a preseason goal is to declare another future superstar, but Barcelona appear determined to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the teenager.

Inside the club, there is widespread belief that Tunkara possesses exceptional potential, yet there is also an understanding that he remains a player in development.

His consistency, decision-making and tactical maturity are all areas the coaching staff want to refine before accelerating his pathway to senior football.

That patient approach feels like the right one.

Barcelona have learned valuable lessons from previous generations of academy prospects, and there is little benefit in rushing a player who has only just turned 16.

Still, Flick’s decision to include Tunkara with the first team speaks volumes. Coaches rarely hand preseason opportunities to players they do not trust.

One goal against Europa will not define his future, but it has certainly strengthened the feeling that Barcelona may have another special La Masia talent beginning to emerge.