Barcelona finds new star with Filipino blood

At 17, La Masia's latest product, Pedro “Dro” Fernandez, is attracting attention.

In the middle of a sweltering summer, when European clubs are rushing into high-profile transfer deals, Barcelona has chosen the traditional way: exploiting La Masia - the cradle that has produced legendary names such as Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and most recently Lamine Yamal. In the friendly match against Vissel Kobe 3-1 in Japan on July 27, the name Pedro “Dro” Fernandez made the Catalan football fans excited.

At 17, Dro not only scored but also sparked a familiar feeling: Barcelona seemed to have discovered another gem.

When La Masia "exploded gold mine"

Barça have always been known for their ability to develop their own superstars. Lamine Yamal, at 16, tore apart Tottenham’s defence in the 2023 Joan Gamper Trophy within minutes of coming on, ushering in a new chapter for the team. Dro Fernandez’s introduction was less dramatic, but no less effective. Coming on with Hansi Flick’s side 2-1 up, the 17-year-old sealed the game with a devastating volley from the edge of the box – his first goal for Barcelona’s first team.

Looking at the data from youth level, Dro's potential is evident. Joining La Masia from Val Miñor Nigrán in 2022, the Filipino talent scored 10 goals in his first season with the U15 team.

His ability to make a difference from the second line, along with his creative play between the lines, has helped Dro become the “heart” of the Spanish U17 team’s system. A statistic from the national youth tournament shows that every 90 minutes of play, Dro creates an average of 2.1 clear-cut scoring chances (key passes), an impressive number for an attacking midfielder.

Unlike many young talents who stand out for their speed or strength, Dro possesses a skill set that leans more towards “artistic”. He is right-footed, but is extremely skillful in tight spaces, knows how to carry the ball and keep the rhythm of the game. Dro’s dribbling ability – averaging four successful dribbles per game at U19 level – reminds many people of Iniesta in his prime.

Coach Hansi Flick created conditions for Dro to play in Barcelona's first team.

Dro is also a threat from distance, with a third of his youth goals coming from outside the box. This adds a missing piece to Hansi Flick’s system – a coach who favours creative midfielders who can finish a game off with a moment of spontaneity.

Hansi Flick and timely encouragement

According to journalist Gerard Romero, Dro “stunned” Barcelona’s main players after just a few training sessions. Flick is known for being strict and only trusting young players if they are truly ready. Yet he did not hesitate to put Dro on the field, even celebrating his goal like a proud father.

On tour, Dro is one of three players with the surname Fernandez (along with Guille and Toni), but it is he who stands out. His versatility as an attacking midfielder and winger means he can adapt well to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 - the systems Flick often uses.

Before that, Dro's path to the first team was not easy. Barcelona currently owns a crowded midfield with Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez... Even breaking into the reserve squad is a challenge. However, the dense schedule of the 2025/26 season, combined with the ability of Flick to rotate the squad, could open up opportunities for young faces.

Another strength of Dro is his versatility. At La Masia, he not only played as an attacking midfielder but also tried out as a “false 9” in a few matches. If he proves his fitness, Dro could well play a supporting role for big stars, just like how Yamal gradually broke into the first team.

Dro Fernandez still has a long way to go to prove himself.

It is noteworthy that Dro was not "shocked" when he first appeared on the field with Rashford or Lewandowski. His confident, even somewhat daring, moves showed that he possesses the qualities of a great player. The goal against Vissel Kobe was just the inevitable result of that confidence.

Although there are not many professional statistics, the recent performance is enough for the Spanish media to ask: is La Masia owning the next "precious gem"?

Dro Fernandez still has a long way to go to prove himself. But what he has shown this summer has Barcelona fans excited. In a context where the club cannot spend as much as Real Madrid or Man City, exploiting La Masia to the fullest is the inevitable path.

If Yamal is a testament to the generation of players who are “born to shine”, Dro could be the next piece of the puzzle, bringing creativity and versatility to the attack. Hansi Flick may not hand the Asian talent a starting role right away, but the 2025/26 season will certainly be a turning point for the 17-year-old’s career.

With his intelligent playing style, skillful technique and strong mentality, Pedro “Dro” Fernandez deserves to be considered the next name in the list of “wonders” that La Masia brought to the football world .

Source: https://znews.vn/barcelona-tim-thay-ngoi-sao-moi-mang-dong-mau-philippines-post1569532.html