FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.05.2009 22:07

Competitive debuts for Xavi Torres, Jeffren and Thiago

Anna Segura

Josep Guardiola gave competitive first-team debuts to three young reserve team players against Mallorca. Xavi Torres, Jeffren and Thiago will never forget 17 May 2009.

All footballers remember the day of their debut which then becomes part of football history. To give some examples, Guardiola made his competitive debut with Barça on 16 December 1990 and Leo Messi on 16 October 2004. And on 17 May 2009 it’s been Xavi Torres, Jeffren and Thiago who have had their dreams come true.

Xavi Torres in starting XI

One of the new things about Guardiola’s starting XI at the Ono Estadi this Sunday was the presence of Xavi Torres. He lined up in midfield alongside Gudjohnsen and Hleb.

Jeffren and Thiago in second half

Jeffren and Thiago got their chances in the second half. The first of the two to make his competitive Barça debut was Thiago when he came on for Gudjohnsen in the 74th minute.

Then with seven minutes to go Jeffren came off the bench to replace his teammate Pedro.

Oier in goal

Although he made his debut with Barça last season in the Cup against Alcoyano, Oier Olazábal was once again in goal for the first-team. Injuries to Jorquera and Pinto led to him being called up, and Guardiola then decided to rest Valdés.