Joan García, Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji, Jofre Torrents, and Pedro “Dro” Fernández all impress in their first outing for Barcelona.
FC Barcelona kicked off the Hansi Flick era with a 3–1 win over Vissel Kobe, and beyond the scoreline, the spotlight belonged to the five debutants who took the pitch for the first time in a Barça shirt.
Whether from the transfer market or La Masia, these five players delivered moments of promise — and in some cases, brilliance — raising expectations for the season ahead.
Joan García: Calm and Confident Between the Posts
Of the five, Joan García was the only one to start the match. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, signed from Espanyol for €25 million, looked immediately at home. Though largely untested early on, he dealt confidently with three dangerous situations and showed composure in his distribution. He had no chance to prevent the Kobe goal but demonstrated why he’s considered a long-term No. 1 candidate.
Marcus Rashford: Energetic, Focused, and Hungry
Coming on at halftime, Marcus Rashford didn’t treat his Barça debut as a formality. The English forward showed intensity with off-the-ball movement, strong pressing, and a goal-bound shot. He also had a clear shout for a penalty, which went uncalled. A goal was the only thing missing, but his team-first mentality and tactical discipline fit Flick’s vision well.
Roony Bardghji: Cool Head, Clinical Finish
Roony Bardghji, the 18-year-old Swedish winger, also entered in the second half and looked mature beyond his years. His composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner was technically flawless, capping off a smart team move. Bardghji didn’t force anything — he picked his moments wisely and contributed intelligently throughout. Sources close to the club suggest he’ll stay with the senior squad this season.
Jofre Torrents: Modern Full-Back Profile
Jofre Torrents, a product of La Masia, played roughly 30 minutes and flashed real potential at left-back. Reminiscent of Alejandro Balde, Torrents made several progressive runs, wasn’t afraid to play through pressure, and showed positional awareness despite a few debut jitters. Coaches rate him highly, and he’s already being discussed as a viable alternative in Flick’s setup.
Dro Fernández: The Breakout Star
Pedro “Dro” Fernández, only 17, was promoted from Juvenil B just months ago — and now he’s already scoring for the first team. Subbed in for Rashford late in the game, Dro made his mark within 13 minutes, volleying home a superb first-time finish. Flick jumped from the bench applauding — a telling sign.
Operating as an inverted winger, Dro floated between the lines, linked up well, and showed zero nerves. Born in Galicia to a Filipino mother, he’s technically gifted and has that creative spark every coach dreams of. Flick has already informed the club that Dro is staying. He’s not just a preseason novelty — he’s part of the plan.
