Flick hands Tommy Marqués first-team debut as Barça's youth revolution continues
The young Catalan midfielder becomes the eighth La Masia graduate promoted to the senior squad by Hansi Flick since the German's arrival at Barcelona.
Another day, another La Masia gem gets his chance to shine at the top level under Hansi Flick’s watchful eye.
Marqués makes his mark
Tommy Marqués has finally made his Barcelona first-team debut, coming on as a substitute against Mallorca on February 7, 2026. The young Catalan pivot had to be patient, waiting until his 15th call-up to get his chance, replacing Fermín López in the 84th minute.
The talented midfielder has been a regular with Barça Atlètic this season, featuring in 11 matches in the Segunda Federación. His promotion continues Flick’s impressive commitment to Barcelona’s youth system, with Marqués becoming the eighth La Masia graduate to make his senior debut under the German gaffer.
From CE Europa to Camp Nou
Marqués’s journey to the Barcelona first team began back in 2015 when he joined the club’s famous academy from CE Europa. Starting in the Benjamín A team, he progressed through the ranks, consistently catching the eye with his performances. His development included a half-season loan spell at CF Damm during the 2023-24 campaign.
The Spain U19 international has been on Flick’s radar since November, when he first made the bench against Alavés. Since then, he’s been a regular in the matchday squad, traveling with the team for fixtures against:
- Atlético Madrid
- Real Betis
- Osasuna
- Guadalajara
- Villarreal
- Espanyol
- Athletic Club
- Real Madrid
- Racing
- Slavia Prague
- Oviedo
- Copenhagen
- Albacete
- Mallorca
Physical presence with technical quality
Standing at 1.86m tall, Marqués brings a useful physical dimension to Barcelona’s midfield options. His aerial ability and strength in duels complement his creative qualities in the middle of the park. With a contract until 2028, he appears to be part of the club’s long-term plans.
Marqués joins an impressive list of La Masia graduates who’ve been given their chance by Flick, including Marc Bernal, Dro, Jofre Torrents, Tony Fernández, Sergi Domínguez, and Andrés Cuenca. The German gaffer’s bread and butter seems to be nurturing young talent - he’s turning these academy prospects into proper first-team options faster than you can say “Bob’s your uncle”.