Nico González showed promise on his debut

Ronald Koeman showed faith once more in Barça's academy in the second friendly of pre-season: Alejandro Balde and Yusuf Demir retained their starting spots from the last game; Rey Manaj was rewarded with a place in the first XI following his second half hat trick in the last game; Iñaki Peña took over from Neto in goal; and Nils Mortimer replaced Peque Polo up front. The most notable inclusion, however, was that of Nico González, who missed the first friendly with gastroenteritis.

The young midfielder is one of Barca's most promising young talents. It is felt by some that Nico, the son of ex-Deportivo La Coruña player Fran González, could be phased in to replace Sergio Busquets in the not-too-distant future. He didn't let himself down on his first team debut. On the contrary, he showed why there is so much hype about him, despite Girona's aggressive pressing.

Nico played in the deep-lying midfielder role that Pep Guardiola held in Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team', and which Sergio Busquets has excelled in - making it his own - for over a decade.

The Galician midfielder often came short to receive the ball from the centre backs, and played one-touch passes whenever he was able to in an attempt to inject speed into the team's passing that is so characteristic of Barça's play. No less important, he always held his position in the team's defensive structure, helping to cover for his team mates and win the ball back.

Nico had a very promising debut, demonstrating excellent athleticism and an ability to play with his head up as he helped to build attacks from deep. He was a calming presence in the middle of the park during the game, showing excellent ball control and making crisp, accurate passes.

With several internationals yet to return to first team training, various La Masia graduates are being given with opportunities in the first team this pre-season. In Nico's case, it would not be surprising if he continued to get minutes throughout the 2021-22 campaign. The fact that Koeman kept him on the pitch beyond half time, despite having Miralem Pjanic on the bench, is proof of this.

Nico was substituted on the hour-mark for the Bosnian midfielder, after showing much promise on his first team debut.