Barça faces the season with a top-level attacking midfielder thanks to Dani Olmo and Fermín. Both footballers are expected to be key players and to compete for a starting spot.
For Flick, having two such complementary profiles is an advantage. Olmo provides control and creativity in the final pass, while Fermín brings intensity and a constant presence in the opponent's box. This battle for a place in the starting eleven, far from being a problem, is a blessing for Barça.
Dro, the big breakout of preseason
The battle for the attacking midfielder spot isn't limited to Olmo and Fermín. Barça also has Pedro Fernández, known as "Dro", who at just 17 years old (stood out in preseason). His confidence, vision, and ability to thread passes have made him one of the most remarkable recent prospects from La Masia.
Dro is already emerging as a real option for Flick during the season, although it's expected that he'll be eased in gradually. The club wants to protect him and avoid rushing his development, but their trust in him is absolute. His talent and personality suggest that, sooner or later, he'll get important minutes with the first team.
Toni Fernández will have to wait
The presence of Olmo, Fermín, and now Dro, however, complicates the outlook for other academy players. This is the case for Toni Fernández, another attacking midfielder from the reserve team, who now finds it harder to break into the first team. Despite his quality, the overcrowding in that position limits his chances of getting immediate opportunities.
According to El Nacional, the club has asked him for patience. The sporting management believes in his potential, but understands that for now he'll need to keep developing with the reserve team and wait for his moment.
A season with the reserve team before deciding his future
For now, Toni Fernández seems determined to stay and keep trying this season with the reserve team. The idea is for him to keep his competitive rhythm and continue his development under the watchful eye of the first team's coaches. The club believes that his progress will determine whether he can have a chance to move up in the future or if he'll need to look for an exit.
If he doesn't manage to carve out a spot, it's most likely that Toni Fernández will consider leaving next season to seek playing time elsewhere. Meanwhile, his presence ensures the reserve team has a quality talent, and Barça can keep closely monitoring a player they trust a lot.