Guillem Victor emerged as the surprise standout from Barcelona’s training session on Thursday, catching the attention of manager Hansi Flick as defensive injuries continue to affect the squad ahead of Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Deportivo Alaves.
The 19-year-old is no longer viewed simply as the brother of former Barcelona striker Pau Victor. He is developing his own identity as a full-back and is now aiming to establish himself in the first team.
Barcelona’s defensive options have been further reduced by Xavi Espart’s seven-week absence, while Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde are not ready to play. Those circumstances have prompted Flick to look towards the reserve side and give Victor another opportunity to demonstrate his ability.
People close to the player describe him as “brave and possessing a very strong personality. He is not the type of player who complains if the manager does not select him; he overcomes difficulties”, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.
A versatile member of the 2007 generation
Victor joined La Masia at the age of 10 and has progressed steadily, helped by his competitive mindset and his capacity to operate in a range of positions. He began as a defensive midfielder before moving into the full-back role.
In a single season with the second youth team, he played at right-back, left-back, centre-back and defensive midfield, as well as occasionally featuring as a second striker. His experience across the pitch has made him an especially adaptable option.
Victor belongs to Barcelona’s 2007 generation, which also includes Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart. Landry Farre, another player who can operate at full-back, is also part of that group. Together, they provide Barcelona with a promising collection of young defensive talent.
Reserve-team manager Giuliano Belletti has shown considerable faith in Victor. He has started every match apart from the opening game of the season, while Farre’s move to the left side has helped establish Victor as the regular right-back.
Flick has been impressed by Victor’s comfort in possession and his ability to move into central areas. The teenager’s willingness to take responsibility when building play also fits the German manager’s preferred style.
Those who watch Victor every day, both on and off the pitch, say: “When he needs to focus on football, he does so 100%, but he also knows how to disconnect from the game and spend time with his friends. He manages it well.”
With his continued development and positional flexibility, Victor is moving closer to his ambition of reaching Barcelona’s first team. Saturday’s match against Deportivo Alaves, scheduled for 31 October 2026, could offer him another chance to impress Flick before Barcelona face Aston Villa in the Champions League on 3 November 2026.
