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Barcelona have long been known for their faith in youth, and manager Hansi Flick has wasted no time in proving his commitment to that tradition.
The German tactician, renowned for his bold decisions, has shown he's unafraid to bench established stars or promote promising talents from La Masia. This pre-season, his philosophy of meritocracy over reputation has brought a new name into the spotlight: Pedro Fernandez, known simply as Dro.
In their opening pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe, the 17-year-old made his mark. Introduced in the 79th minute at the Noevir Stadium, replacing Marcus Rashford, Dro needed just eight minutes to score his first goal for Barcelona's senior side.
The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a left winger, capped a dream debut with a composed finish, showcasing the talent that has the club buzzing with excitement.
"I was a bit nervous coming on, but I got my first chance and put it away," said Dro after the match in Kobe. "It was my first time playing for the best club in the world, so I was really anxious. Talking to Hansi calmed me down, and my teammates gave me so much confidence, I can't thank them enough."
A Rising Star from La MasiaBorn in Vigo to a Filipino mother and Galician father, Dro joined Barcelona's famed academy in the summer of 2022. Now starring for their Juvenil A side, the youngster has a contract until June 2027, but the club have already begun talks to extend his stay.
His blend of technical brilliance, vision, creativity, ball control, and ability to break lines has won over coaches, staff, and executives alike. Barcelona are determined to secure their gem before bigger suitors come calling.
Flick first called Dro up to senior training sessions at the Ciutat Esportiva two weeks ago, and the teenager quickly caught his eye. Internal reports on the player were glowing, and Flick, formerly of Bayern Munich, saw enough to include him in the club's Asia tour alongside other prospects like Jofre Torrents, Guille, Toni Fernandez, and Diego Kochen. Despite his tender age, Dro survived the cut and earned his chance.
"I was really impressed with Jofre Torrents and Dro's debuts, as well as the others," said Flick after the game. "I see them in training, and they have quality. Dro scored a goal, and I'm thrilled to have them. Our job is to nurture them and help them grow, and we'll do that."
Barcelona's commitment to youth is unwavering, and Dro's emergence is a testament to their system. The club are keenly aware of his potential and are focused on protecting and developing him. With Flick's backing and a supportive squad around him, the young Spaniard looks set to become a key part of their plans.
As Barcelona prepare for the new season, fans will be watching closely to see how Dro and his fellow youngsters progress. If his debut is anything to go by, the Blaugrana have unearthed another star in the making.
