Barcelona faced Birmingham City in a pre-season game that ended in a 2-2 draw, with the Catalan club losing on penalties.
Hansi Flick was without most of his first-team and had to rely on youth to make up most of his team, and many youngsters caught the eye with their performances.
Among them was Alvaro Cortes, who replaced Gerard Martin for the second half of the game and did not put a foot wrong.
The Spaniard was handed his debut by Hansi Flick at the end of last season against Alaves, and it looks like he is ready for the first team.
Cortes has first-team ambitions laid out
Flick will be keeping a close eye on Cortes. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Speaking about his future as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Cortes has made his ambitions clear, insisting his goal is to establish himself in Hansi Flick’s first-team squad.
Cortes believes the current training camp gives La Masia players the perfect platform to convince Flick.
“Yes, for me and for the other youngsters, this is a great opportunity,” he said.
“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 also mentioned that he is hoping for a bigger first-team role this season, making it clear that succeeding in Blaugrana is his dream.
“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,” Cortes explained.
Cortes leaves the reserve team behind
Asked whether he would be prepared to return to Barça Atletic if required, Cortes gave an honest assessment of where he believes his career now stands.
“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 21-year-old said.
Cortes also reflected on his performance against Birmingham City, where he produced an assured display despite facing experienced senior opposition.
“It was our first friendly of preseason 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.
Cortes stepped up to take the first penalty for Barça on the night, rifling the ball into the top of the net. It was a moment that showed his mentality.
Inspired by Barcelona legends
Describing his own game, Cortes highlighted his love of defending while stressing the importance of contributing in possession.
Alvaro Cortes is impressing in pre-season. (Picture credit: Instagram/@alvaarocortes)
“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 young centre-back also revealed the defenders he has looked up to throughout his career.
“I’ve always admired defenders like Pique and Puyol,” Cortes said.
“But more recently, Inigo Martinez 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.”
A glorious opportunity for the Spaniard
Barcelona have not made a move for a new central defender this summer, and the longer they do not, the bigger the door opens for Cortes.
Every pre-season game is a chance for the 21-year-old to show Hansi Flick and the club that he deserves a fair chance.
This could also prompt Barça to push the central defender signing until after this transfer window and give Cortes a run-out.
The Spaniard is left-footed, excellent in possession and could solve a lot of problems for Flick should he come good.
It is still early days, but Cortes has made an excellent impression in Flick’s first team. It remains to be seen whether he is promoted officially ahead of the upcoming La Liga campaign.
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