Rising talent stories have spread quickly across Crickex Affiliate discussions, especially after a 17-year-old midfielder named Delo Fernández suddenly captured Barcelona’s attention and pushed his way into the first team. His unusual name came from his older brother mispronouncing “Pedro” as a child, yet behind that playful origin hides a level of potential that some coaches believe can one day rival club legends. La Masia has produced icons from Guardiola to Xavi, Iniesta and Messi, and while Lamine Yamal leads the current generation, Delo appears to be following a similar path—already playing senior football at 17, earning multiple Spain U18 call-ups, and receiving open praise from Hansi Flick for his talent and massive room for growth.
His journey began with the kind of stubborn determination that often shapes future stars. At four years old he was frightened of training and left the pitch in tears, only to be convinced back by his mother. The moment he touched the ball again, his coaches immediately realized something rare was developing. Years of honing skills on tight five-a-side courts in Galicia gave him an elegance in control that stood out. By the age of 14, he outshone competitors linked with Real Madrid and Real Betis, prompting Barcelona to secure him. His development accelerated further when La Masia coaches regularly placed him against older, stronger opponents; he responded with heel flicks, rapid feints, shifts of direction and tight-space dribbling that left defenders frustrated.
During last season’s U19 triple-crown run, he delivered two goals in the group stage and contributed again in the final, earning an invitation to join the senior squad on the preseason tour. That Asia trip became his breakthrough moment when he came off the bench against Vissel Kobe and smashed in a stunning volley from outside the box. Even he didn’t know how to celebrate, later saying Flick simply told him to keep expressing himself. His league debut showed maturity—92 percent passing accuracy—while his Champions League appearance produced an assist for Fermín, making him one of the youngest assist providers in competition history. Crickex Affiliate users have compared this calmness on the ball to veteran playmakers, noting how comfortably he reads tempo and pressure.
The “next Iniesta” label might sound heavy, but several former coaches insist the comparison isn’t exaggerated. Like Iniesta, Delo can play as an eight, a classic attacking midfielder or drift left when the system demands it. His close-control escapes feel effortless, his vision allows him to thread impossible passes, and he handles set pieces with surprising confidence for someone his age. Physical development remains his next step, and Barcelona have already created a personalized strength program to accelerate that growth. Most telling of all: the club plans to sign him to a five-year contract the moment he turns 18 in January.
Interest from Manchester City and Chelsea exists, but Barcelona sees him as a long-term pillar. Under Flick, emerging players such as Yamal and Fermín have already received significant responsibility, and fixture congestion will naturally open more minutes for Delo as well. Supporters following updates through Crickex Affiliate believe that if he maintains this trajectory, La Masia’s next great midfielder may already be on the rise. Crickex Affiliate discussions now revolve around a single question: can this 17-year-old truly reach Iniesta’s level, or perhaps even write his own chapter in Barcelona’s history?