Barcelona’s youngster Álvaro Cortés has made it his ambition to be a first team player this season, ahead of the rest of the season.
The 21-year-old has been working under Flick and his team for much of Barcelona’s pre-season, and has already shown that he’s now ready to go to the next level in his development.
Cortés pushing for regular first-team role
Barcelona’s pre-season clash with Birmingham City was another occasion on which Cortés came on as a second-half substitute, and it was a draw.
The defender was unable to get in to the game for a long time, but he did draw some interest in the subsequent penalty shootout with a confident shot in the top corner.
His performance has given him more encouragement to a player who is looking to impress Flick to give him a bigger role.
Barcelona youngster wants to stay
Cortés has previously had the chance to play with Barcelona’s under-23 squad, but now feels that he should be moving on from that era.
The defender has said that he wants to stay with the senior team and not go back to the reserves or find another short-term fix.
Cortés, who has only made one La Liga start this season, is aware of the competition for defensive roles being tough this season. But the little one seems determined to battle for his chance.
Flick faces decision over Cortés
Ultimately, it will be up to Flick and his coaching staff to make the final call.
Barcelona have a number of ways to defend and their youngsters are also vying for chances. Cortés will therefore have to continue impressing during pre-season if he is to get regular minutes when the competitive football kicks off.
But for the time being, his message to Flick is clear: He feels he is past the point of playing in the reserve system and is ready to challenge at the top.
As the new campaign nears, Cortés may have a great chance to make his dreams come true, and become another promising youngster in Barcelona’s first team.
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