Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has this week been assured of the readiness of another member of the club’s youth ranks to make the step up to senior level.
The player in question? Aleix Garrido.
Garrido, for those not familiar with his name, is a 20-year-old midfielder, capable of fulfilling a number of roles in the middle of the park.
The Spanish youth international has long been held in high regard behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital, with only a string of fitness problems having prevented him from exploding to an even higher level.
To date this season, Garrido has racked up 11 appearances for Barca Atlètic, chipping in with a goal and three assists along the way.
And one individual of the opinion that the youngster should be considered one of the next in line to make the jump to first-team duties in Barcelona is Óscar López.
Former Blaugrana youth coach López previously oversaw Garrido’s development during shared stints with both Juvenil A, and Juvenil B.
Speaking in an interview with Diario Sport this week, López therefore moved to lavish praise on the midfielder, assuring Hansi Flick that Garrido is ready to make the step up:
“Aleix is a spectacular player who has brutal conditions. Last year he was not respected by injuries but if he has a little continuity, he is a player capable of interpreting the game in an incredible way.
“I don’t only like Aleix for what he brings on the pitch, his importance goes beyond the game and he is an ideal player for any coach because of what he brings to the dressing room and his ability to manage the group.
“He is a talent that we will soon see at the top. If I were Flick, I wouldn’t have any doubts.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
