As FC Barcelona gears up for the biggest game of the season—El Clásico against Real Madrid—all eyes are on the senior stars. But behind the scenes, a new wave of talent from La Masia is quietly making its mark under manager Hansi Flick.
Even with most of his first-team players now available after a recent injury crisis, Flick continues to lean on the club's famed youth academy. According to reports from SPORT, four Barça Atlètic players have been heavily involved in first-team training this week, and some could even find themselves in the matchday squad on Sunday.
The quartet includes goalkeeper Eder Aller, defenders Xavi Espart and Álvaro Cortés, and midfielder Tommy Marques. All four have trained alongside the senior squad, a clear sign that Flick values their potential in high-stakes moments.
Barcelona's injury list has shortened significantly in recent days. Aside from Lamine Yamal and Andreas Christensen, the squad is nearly at full strength. Yet Flick has continued to integrate academy players into sessions following the team's recent setback against Osasuna—a move that speaks volumes about his trust in youth development.
One name generating particular buzz is Eder Aller. The 18-year-old goalkeeper recently signed a contract extension through 2028 and is widely regarded as one of the most promising prospects to emerge from La Masia in years. His composure and shot-stopping ability have caught the eye of coaches and teammates alike.
Meanwhile, both Espart and Marques have already made their first-team debuts under Flick. The German coach is especially impressed with Espart's defensive awareness and intelligent decision-making at right-back—qualities that could prove invaluable in a high-pressure match like El Clásico.
Álvaro Cortés, a defender still awaiting his senior debut, has already received multiple call-ups this season in both La Liga and European competitions. It's a testament to the faith Flick has in his readiness, even at this early stage of his career.
Looking ahead, if Barcelona can secure the La Liga title in the coming weeks, the final matches of the season against Deportivo Alavés, Real Betis, and Valencia could offer these young stars valuable minutes on the big stage. For now, though, the immediate focus is clear: secure a statement win over Real Madrid. And once that mission is accomplished, the next goal will be chasing a historic 100-point tally—with La Masia's next generation playing a part in the journey.