Tommy Christensen: 'I still can't get my head around it' - La Masia graduate on dream Barça debut
Barcelona's latest academy talent Tommy Christensen reflects on his emotional Camp Nou debut against Mallorca and reveals his footballing inspirations.
Barcelona’s latest La Masia graduate Tommy Christensen is still pinching himself after making his first-team debut in Saturday’s match against Mallorca, describing it as “a spectacular dream” that hasn’t fully sunk in yet.
Dream debut at Camp Nou
The young midfielder was introduced by Hansi Flick in the 84th minute against Mallorca, replacing Fermín López in what proved to be a memorable moment for the academy product. On Tuesday, Christensen participated in the traditional photo session in front of La Masia - a ceremonial act that all youth players complete after their first-team debut.
The emotion was clearly overwhelming for Christensen, who’s been at the club for 11 years after joining from Europa in 2015 as a youngster.
“I still can’t get my head around it,” Christensen admitted, revealing he barely slept afterwards despite having a youth team match the following day. He celebrated with an impromptu family dinner but is already focused on what comes next.
Rapid rise through the ranks
Christensen’s journey to the first team has been nothing short of meteoric:
- Joined Barça in 2015 from Europa at the youngest youth level
- Spent part of the 2023-24 season on loan at Damm before returning to Juvenil B
- Played 23 league games, 7 Youth League matches, and 5 Copa del Rey fixtures in his third year at youth level
- Won the treble with the youth team before extending his contract and moving up to Barça Atlètic
Flick’s faith in La Masia
The midfielder expressed his appreciation for Flick’s commitment to giving academy players opportunities, saying it provides extra motivation for everyone working at La Masia.
“Seeing the first-team coach trust the academy is motivation; it makes you want more,” he explained.
When asked about his footballing inspirations, Christensen named two midfield maestros - current Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong and club legend Sergio Busquets - as his reference points.
With Flick continuing to blood youngsters at a remarkable rate, Christensen will be hoping this taste of first-team action is just the beginning of his Barcelona journey. For now, though, he’s focused on keeping his feet on the ground while maintaining the ambition that got him this far.