Barcelona's youth defender Héctor Fort impresses with his performance in the left-back position, showcasing versatility and talent at a young age.
In the absence of established left-backs like Balde, Cancelo, or Marcos Alonso, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has turned to the promising young talent of Héctor Fort to fill the void. Despite primarily playing as a center-back or right-back throughout his youth career, Fort has seamlessly adapted to his new role on the left side of defense.
The tactical setup deployed by Barcelona against their opponents was as expected, with Koundé at right-back, Araujo and Christensen in central defense, and Fort occupying the left-back position. At just 17 years old and in his second game as a starter for the Barça first team, Fort has demonstrated his potential and commitment to the club where he has spent his entire youth football journey. Having entered the junior team under the guidance of David Sánchez in 2013, Fort has progressed through the ranks of Barcelona's academy, showcasing his skills as an offensive right-back in 7-a-side soccer and alternating between the roles of '2' and center-back in 11-a-side games.
Known for his impressive speed, physical prowess, precise ball control, and powerful long-range shots, Fort not only provides defensive stability but also contributes significantly to attacking play. Despite being predominantly right-footed and never having played on the left wing before, Fort has seized the opportunities that have come his way with the Barça first team.
From being composed to showing audacity, Fort's performance in the first half was flawless, exhibiting excellent ball retention and creating seven connections with the forwards in 25 interventions, according to data from Catalunya Ràdio's TDT. In the second half, the introduction of the formidable Soule provided Fort with an added challenge, but he embraced the opportunity. Early in the second half, Fort displayed his attacking instincts by brilliantly assisting Raphinha's goal, delivering a precise cross that left their teammate with an ideal scoring position. Throughout the half, the young defender continued to assert himself in the attack, demonstrating awareness of space and posing a constant threat to the opposition's defense.
Remarkably, despite primarily playing as a right-back or center-back throughout his career, Fort showcased his adaptability and versatility in the left-back position. His performance against Antwerp in the Champions League this season marked his debut in the competition, and now, playing against Barbastro, Fort has a golden opportunity to further earn the trust of Xavi. Additionally, he has already featured in one game in the Youth League and 11 matches in the First Federation with Barça Atlètic, even getting on the scoresheet for the subsidiary team.
Having made the jump directly from Cadet A to Juvenil A last season, Fort is part of a remarkable generation born in 2006, which features other highly talented individuals like Pau Prim, Marc Guiu, Alexis Olmedo, and Arnau Pradas, all of whom have the potential for a bright future within the club. Moreover, Fort gained valuable experience as a key player for the national team, representing his country in the U-17 World Cup held in Indonesia.
With his impressive display as a left-back, Héctor Fort has not only caught the eye of Barcelona's coaching staff but also exemplified the immense potential within the club's youth ranks. As he continues to grow and develop, it wouldn't be surprising to see Fort establish himself as a reliable option on the left side of defense, solidifying his place as a promising talent for Barcelona's future success.