Israeli Talent Oriyan Goren Impresses Bayern Coach Flick, Secures Spot in Barcelona First Team

Oriyan Goren, a 17-year-old Israeli footballer, has garnered praise from Spanish media for his impressive performances with Barcelona's senior team during pre-season. Despite his young age, Goren has successfully passed the rigorous selection process under Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick, who now trusts him enough to keep him in the first-team squad after multiple cuts. As of early August, Goren remains one of the few academy players training with the senior squad, a significant achievement given his birth year of 2009.

Goren joined Barcelona in 2022 from Maccabi Petah Tikva's youth system and has developed through the famed La Masia academy. He lives on-site at the academy, balancing football training with his studies. Alongside fellow young talents Ibrahima Tonkara (born 2010) and Xavi Esparza, Goren was among the youngest players to join first-team training in mid-July. While some young players were moved to Barcelona Atlètic, the club's reserve team, Goren remained with the senior squad and traveled with them to the Udine tournament in Italy.

He played 30 minutes against Udinese and Birmingham, earning direct praise from Flick, who named him one of the three youngsters who stood out during the training camp. Spanish outlet Sport highlighted Goren's exceptional maturity, game vision, and natural ability, which distinguish him as a notable talent within the senior team environment. The coaching staff continues to monitor his progress closely as he gains valuable experience under Flick's guidance.