"He is also fearless" - Hansi Flick heaps praise on Barcelona star after win over Barbastro

Hansi Flick has praised Barcelona youngster Toni Fernandez following the win over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on Saturday, January 4. The Catalan giants secured a 4-0 win over the Aragonian club at the Estadio Municipal.

Eric Garcia opened the scoring for the away side in the 21st minute before Robert Lewandowski doubled the lead 10 minutes later. The Pole scored his second of the night two minutes after the break before Pablo Torre got on the scoresheet in the 56th minute.

Meanwhile, Fernandez entered the pitch in the 81st minute as Torre's replacement. At 16 years, five months, and 17 days old, the Spaniard became the second-youngest player to debut for Barcelona in history.

After the game, Flick labeled the teenager 'fearless'.

“He is a great talent and he is also fearless. He came on and took a corner. It is great to see him back because he has been out injured for quite a while. He did well today,” said Flick.

Fernandez joined Barcelona's academy in 2018 and rose steadily across the age groups. He has been quite impressive for the youth side and has been waiting for his senior debut for a while.

The Spaniard was on the bench on five occasions in the league and the Champions League this season. However, the left-footed striker was an unused substitute until this weekend. He will now look to earn his LaLiga debut with Barca.

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Who is Barcelona's youngest-ever player?

Toni Fernandez

Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in Barcelona's history. The Spaniard achieved the feat under former manager Xavi in the 2022-23 campaign.

Yamal came off the bench against Real Betis in a 4-0 win in April 2023. He was just 15 years, nine months, and 16 days old.

The Spaniard was outstanding for Barca last season, registering seven goals and nine assists from 50 games across competitions. He has continued that form under Hansi Flick this campaign, amassing six goals and 12 assists from 21 games.

Yamal is also Barcelona's youngest goalscorer, earning the accolade against Granada in the league in October 2023 at the age of 16 years, two months, and 25 days. The teenager has struggled with injuries this season and has already missed five games with an ankle injury. His contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of next season.