Barcelona youth talent handed call-up for senior international duty

A highly-regarded up-and-coming member of the youth ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has this week been afforded a call-up to his country’s senior national squad.

The player in question? Diego Kochen.

For those not familiar with his name, Kochen is an 18-year-old goalkeeper, who has long been considered a potential first-team star in the making in Catalunya’s capital.

The starlet made the step up from the club’s U19s to Barca Atlètic earlier this year, as reward for his ongoing excellence at youth level.

Kochen was then afforded a place in Hansi Flick’s first-team squad for the Blaugrana’s pre-season tour of the USA.

And, as alluded to above, early this week, the teen’s talents have been recognised once more.

This comes amid confirmation that Kochen has been included in the senior United States national team squad, for the first time.

The Miami native will be at the disposal of his country’s coaching staff for upcoming meetings with both Canada, and New Zealand.

Conor Laird | GSFN