Barcelona started their season in fine style with a convincing victory over 9-man Mallorca on Saturday night, and it was also a day that young defender Jofre Torrents will never forget.
The 18-year-old, who has impressed throughout pre-season, was given his first team debut by Hansi Flick, as he appeared as a 68th minute substitute at Son Moix. He did not look out of place in the Barcelona side, which will be very pleasing for all involved to see.
As per TV3 (via MD), Jofre spoke on making his Barcelona debut, becoming the sixth La Masia graduate to do so since Flick took over as head coach last summer.
“I’m very happy. It’s a dream as a child to make my debut with the club of my life officially. And now, to continue working to have more opportunities. Flick told us to play calmly. He gave me a lot of encouragement and wished us luck. Before coming up, you’re always nervous, it’s the first team and a debut in La Liga, but when you’re on the pitch, you don’t think about anything anymore. Just playing football and you forget everything.
“All the family and friends sent me messages of encouragement to go out with maximum intensity if I had to go out and give my best version. And that’s what I’ve tried to do.”
His appearance against Mallorca will surely be the first of many made by Jofre this season as a Barcelona player. Flick values him very highly, and there is every chance that he is the first-choice backup to Alejandro Balde at left-back, given that Gerard Martin could be utilised as a central defender more often.
For now, Jofre will reflect on his Barcelona debut, and he will hope to make his second senior appearance next season against Levante.
lamine100
19
Joan Garcia completed 16/16 passes against Mallorca. He passed 7 times to Pau Cubarsí, 4 times each to Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong, twice to Eric García as a right-back, and one long pass each to Raphinha and Ferran Torres. — Mundo Deportivo
RonaldDinho_10
17
Honestly Barca had a terrible transfer window, we needed experienced back up fullback, and some midfielders who never stop running If you watched the match, you notice that Raphinha does more defensive job than pedri, fermin, gavi, de jong, and all midfielders, and as for attack, none of our midfielders shoot from distance, only keep possesion And the worst thing is stupid Araujo, who cant find a way to stop a player on the level of Muriqi except from fouling him, 3 times in all 3 contacts with him, how is he supposed to stop Mbappe, offside didnt work against Inter We are cooked this season, we cant count on Yamal to save us, he aint Messi
Sezabeimty
13
This dudu is far better than Gerad martin