FC Barcelona have started their new campaign in full swing, delivering impressive performances, one after the other. Even though the Blaugrana lineup had looked somewhat stiff in the first half, the club's recent performances, especially the dominating victory over Valladolid, reflect that they are ready to conquer Europe again.
Is Hector Fort ready for game minutes in Barcelona's first team?
While stars like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Dani Olmo have come into the spotlight, on the other side some youngsters are still eyeing chances. In particular, the case of Hector Fort has been the most surprising, who, despite having enormous potential in the full-back role, hasn't gotten the first team minutes. Thus the question arises: is Hector Fort ready for game minutes in Barca's first team?
Not to forget, the 18-year-old fullback's Barca Atletic campaign had been impressive last season, earning him a debut for the first team. Showcasing his talent, Fort delivered some decent performances in the 10 appearances for the first team. However, in the presence of Cancelo and him being a Barcelona Atletic player, the youngster couldn't get significant roles in the 23/24 season.
When the 2024/25 season started, speculations were still there about Cancelo's Barca return; however, when it got finalized that he wouldn't return, Fort was considered an important piece for the full-back role. But again, one of the most impressive Barca players so far has been the club's seasoned right back, Jules Kounde. In fact, Kounde has been one of the few players to have played every single minute for Barca this season.
Recently, Mundo Deportivo reported that the first thing Hansi Flick did after the match against Valladolid was to look for Héctor Fort to explain why he had not given him playing time yet. The German manager went over to hug him and speak to the youngster regarding his role in the club's squad.
Even though Flick hasn't utilized Fort till now, it seems that the Barca boss has a special plan behind it. In the long season ahead, FC Barcelona would have several games, that too without a proper break, and thus, Hector Fort's rotation in place of Kounde might be the best use case possible. Otherwise, for a talented youngster like Fort, there seems no way Flick hasn't given him minutes yet.
Overall, Flick might be planning to use the Spanish young full-back in the later stages of the campaign, and it is possible that we might witness Fort in the upcoming game against Girona. Given Fort's brilliance at the full-back position, it is certain he would have a significant role in the season ahead.