Flick is preparing a big surprise for Real Madrid

Hansi Flick is preparing a surprise for Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid, with reports indicating he may include 17-year-old midfielder Orian Goren in his matchday squad. The decision will be finalized when Barcelona announces its player list tomorrow. If selected, Goren would make his debut in an official competitive match for the Catalan club’s first team. This potential inclusion marks a significant step in his rapid development within the La Masia academy system. The young Israeli international has trained with the senior squad over the past few days, specifically on Friday and Saturday sessions. His opportunity arose partly due to injury concerns surrounding Dani Olmo, who is expected to miss approximately one month of action. Spanish media outlet Sport identified Goren as a primary candidate for a spot among the players traveling to face the Madrid side. Beyond Goren, Flick has integrated other academy talents into recent training drills, including Alex Campos and Ebrima Tunkara. Goren was born on March 15, 2009, in Savyon, Israel. He joined Barcelona’s youth facilities in 2023 after leaving Maccabi Petah Tikva. Following a successful period in the junior teams, he moved up to the Barca Atletic reserve side this season. Under manager Julio Belletti, Goren established himself as a regular starter in central midfield. He missed only a handful of matches during the current campaign, primarily due to call-ups for the Israeli under-21 national team. During the September international window, coach Guy Luzon included him in squads for qualifying matches against Slovenia and Norway. His technical abilities have drawn comparisons to veteran teammate Pedri. Spanish press noted that Goren possesses strong ball retention skills, versatility in midfield positions, and a tendency to join attacking phases late. His performance during the preseason Joan Gamper Trophy tournament left a positive impression on Flick, according to local reporting. The head coach knows the player well from these earlier interactions. Barcelona faces several defensive absences for the upcoming derby. In addition to Olmo, the team will be without Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, and Ronny Bardghi. These injuries have prompted Flick to evaluate younger options more frequently. For Goren, merely securing a place on the bench would represent the highest moment of his career thus far. The final roster announcement is scheduled for Sunday, following which the 17-year-old will know whether he becomes part of history in Spain’s most watched league fixture.