Dro Fernandez is another exciting talent to have emerged from La Masia and is currently training with Hansi Flick’s senior squad in pre-season at Barcelona.
The 17-year-old also trained with the first team last season and clearly seems to be on Flick’s radar ahead of the new campaign.
Fernandez’s former coaches Javi Roxo and Luis Perez have been quizzed on what Barcelona can expect from the youngster and have had plenty to say.
“I see him play for Barça and it is true that they have added details to his game and that physically he has grown a lot but the essence of his football remains the same, he plays with the same self-confidence as when he was a child,” Roxo told Sport.
“Dro is a talent of Thiago’s level, I have not seen anyone as technical as Thiago but Dro’s vision of the game is even superior. Dro was always very special, he has a gift for touching the ball and has always been very creative.”
The duo have also compared the teenager to Andres Iniesta but highlight his versatility.
“Although some people compare him to Pedri, Dro reminds me of Iniesta because of his vision and great talent,” they add.
“Valerón was very good but perhaps a little slow and Dro is more agile although his vision of the game can be similar.
“Dro is capable of everything and if Flick puts him on the wing he can also do well, it won’t be Raphinha but he can look like the Iniesta who played on the left. If he relieves himself of pressure and plays freely, he is capable of anything, his talent is infinite.”
We’ll have to wait and see if Fernandez makes it into Barca’s tour squad. Flick is said to be considering taking around 26 players to Asia from the 35 currently training at the Ciutat Esportiva.