Barcelona youngster could be handed the chance to impress at senior level this season | OneFootball

An up-and-coming member of the defensive ranks at La Liga champions Barcelona could enjoy a major uptick in prominence at the club over the course of the season ahead.

This comes amid the understanding that Álvaro Cortés is knocking on the door of first-team boss Hansi Flick.

Cortés, for his part, is a 21-year-old central defender, long tipped for a senior breakthrough in Catalunya’s capital. The Spaniard is appreciated for his ability in the tackle, dominance in the air and leadership skills beyond his tender years.

This past season, Cortés acted as captain for Barca Atlètic. He also found himself on the fringes of the Blaugrana senior setup over the term’s final weeks, though, culminating in an impressive La Liga debut in a meeting with Deportivo Alavés in May.

And if the latest word stemming from the Spanish media is anything to go by, then Hansi Flick and his staff have evidently not forgotten about Cortés’ talents.

As per a report from Diario Sport:

‘The 21-year-old defender is highly valued by Hansi Flick. If a centre-back is not signed, he may have more opportunities this year.’

Conor Laird – GSFN