Barcelona Teen Shows Class and Composure on La Liga Debut

Teenage forward Toni Fernandez says he is “ready to help the team” after making his first La Liga appearance under Hansi Flick during Barcelona’s narrow win over Girona at the weekend.

Fernandez, promoted from Barça Atlètic, was deployed as a false nine and admitted it took time to adapt to senior-level intensity. Despite that, he impressed coaches with movement and link play before being replaced in the second half.

His post-match comments showed both humility and ambition as he reflected on the step up to Spain’s top flight.

“I hadn’t played for a while and was a bit clumsy as a false nine. But I believe I can perform well in any attacking position,” he said. “No doubt the level is much higher, and the pace is faster, but honestly, I see myself ready to help the team.”

Flick’s faith in youth continues

The German coach has leaned heavily on emerging talent this season, with Lamine Yamal, Marc Guiu and Pau Cubarsí already established in his rotation. Fernandez’s inclusion follows a pattern of promoting academy graduates to offset injuries to senior forwards, including Robert Lewandowski.

His versatility across the front line makes him a valuable depth option in Flick’s 4-3-3 structure, particularly when pressing from the front. Sources around the club suggest the teenager has impressed in training with his attitude and tactical discipline, prompting coaches to fast-track his integration into first-team sessions.

Moment to remember at Montjuïc

The 19-year-old also revealed a lighter moment from the match, when defender Ronald Araújo joked he would score as a striker moments before being introduced — then promptly did so to seal the victory.

“We all laughed on the bench,” Fernandez said. “But that’s exactly what happened when he came on.”

It was a fitting symbol of the togetherness in Flick’s evolving side, one built around youthful energy and collective belief rather than star power alone.

With the El Clásico on the horizon and the squad stretched by injuries, Fernandez could yet see more action before the turn of the year. His debut offered a glimpse of another La Masia product stepping confidently into Barcelona’s long-term plans.