Barcelona drew 2-2 with Birmingham City in a pre-season fixture on Wednesday, losing the subsequent penalty shootout. Manager Hansi Flick fielded a squad heavily populated by academy talent, with several youth players delivering standout displays during the encounter.
Cortes Impresses in Defensive Debut
Álvaro Cortés replaced Gerard Martín at half-time and produced an assured performance against experienced senior opposition. The 21-year-old centre-back made his first-team debut under Flick during the closing stages of last season against Alavés and appears ready for regular involvement.
Cortés also stepped up to take Barcelona’s opening penalty in the shootout, converting with confidence into the top corner—a moment that underscored his mentality under pressure.
Academy Star Eyes First-Team Breakthrough
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo following the match, Cortés articulated his ambitions clearly. He views the current pre-season training camp as the ideal opportunity for La Masia graduates to convince Flick of their readiness.
“Yes, for me and for the other youngsters, this is a great opportunity,” Cortés stated. “We’re here in large numbers, and we see it as a chance to stay with the first team, earn the coach’s trust and secure our place. That’s what we’re all hoping for.”
The defender made his desire for sustained first-team involvement unmistakable, describing Barcelona as his lifelong dream destination. “What the club has said about me is something I see as positive because my first wish is to stay here at Barcelona. It’s what I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. Whatever is said about me, I’ll accept it and respect it,” he explained.
Moving Beyond Reserve Football
When asked whether he would accept another spell with Barça Atletic, Cortés rejected the prospect entirely. “I think I’ve moved beyond the reserve team. All I want is to stay here with the first team and earn my place,” the academy product declared.
Regarding his showing against Birmingham, Cortés reflected positively on his readiness for top-level football. “It was our first friendly of pre-season and I felt very good. I settled into the game quickly and, although we didn’t win the penalty shootout, it was a good test to begin our preparations,” he said.
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Playing Style and Influences
Cortés outlined his approach to defending and build-up play in equal measure. “I’m a player who enjoys defensive duels and feels very comfortable in one-on-one situations. I like to be influential on the ball, play accurate passes and help the team in attack. Defensively, I also feel very comfortable with the system the coach uses, and I think I can contribute a lot,” he explained.
The left-footed defender has modeled his development on Barcelona’s storied defensive lineage. “I’ve always admired defenders like Piqué and Puyol,” he said.
More recently, Cortés has studied Iñigo Martínez closely. “But more recently, Iñigo Martínez had an exceptional final season here. I often watch videos of him, both with and without the ball, to learn from his performances and try to reach the same level,” Cortés added.
What This Means for Barcelona’s Defensive Plans
Barcelona have not pursued a central defender signing during the current transfer window. This inaction potentially creates pathway opportunities for Cortés, as each pre-season appearance allows him to demonstrate his credentials to Flick. The longer the club delays a centre-back acquisition, the greater the possibility that Cortés earns genuine minutes during the La Liga season. His left-foot proficiency and comfort in possession represent genuine solutions to Flick’s squad construction. Every friendly outing provides another audition for the 21-year-old to prove he merits established first-team status.
