Hans-Dieter Flick has started a new chapter on the bench with a clear commitment to young talent. The German coach has ten footballers from the youth academy in training sessions these days. A strategic decision that reflects the club's desire to keep trusting the academy to build the future.
Among the academy players, one name stands out above the rest: Jofre Torrents, the young left-back from the Juvenil squad, is becoming one of the biggest sensations of the preseason. His tactical maturity, speed, and ability to join the attack have impressed the coaching staff. At 17 years old, Torrents looks set to be one of the season's biggest revelations.
Jofre has shown personality in every training session, he has been precise with the ball, intense in defense, and very involved in tactical drills. Flick sees him as a real alternative for the left-back position. The lack of depth in that spot opens an important door for the youngster.
Jan Virgili can be the surprise
Other names drawing attention are Jan Virgili and Pedro Fernández. The former is a midfielder with great vision, organized, and with a good touch. The latter is a right winger who is unpredictable, fast, and able to beat his marker. Both are earning praise for their attitude and performance in every practice.
Jan is emerging as a possible generational replacement in midfield. He has quality, positional intelligence, and a maturity beyond his years. Meanwhile, Pedro offers unpredictability on the wing and verticality, something the first team urgently needs. Flick values his boldnessand his ability to make a difference in one-on-one situations.
Jofre is the special talent
Guille Fernández and Toni Fernández are also under the microscope, two attacking midfielders with natural talent for creating chances. They are joined by talents like Juan Hernández, Landry Farré, and Ibrahim Diarra, who complete the group of prospects experiencing their first time with the first team. All of them are leaving a good impression.
Guille and Toni are technical, creative players with an ease for threading passes. Juan stands out for his offensive versatility. Landry Farré is a center-back with great size (envergadura) who dominates the aerial game, while Diarra is a fast, powerful striker with a nose for goal. Each one brings a different profile that's being analyzed by Flick and his staff.
The preseason will be key to defining the immediate future of several of them, but the truth is that, with Jofre Torrents leading the way, the new generation is seizing its opportunity. The German coach has already taken note. If they keep up the level, it won't be surprising to see more than one make their official competition debut this season.