- Marc Bernal is recovering ahead of time
- The competition for the pivot role
- How Flick can utilize his talent
Young ambition
According to a report by Toni Juanmarti, at the end of September, it was officially announced that Beranl has renewed until 2026. However, there’s an agreement in place that extends his contract until 2029. The club sees Marc Bernal not just as an important player now, but also a key part of its future.
Toni Juanmarti reports Marc Bernal is ahead of schedule in his recovery. Despite this, the club is being extremely cautious. The goal is for Bernal to return to playing next September.
Barca’s Pivot: Bernal or Casado
Until Marc Bernal got injured he was looking very bright under Hansi Flick, seamlessly fitting into the team and taking over the CDM role at Barca which was under great crisis right from the farewell of Barca legend Sergio Busquets. He looked so promising in the midfield that fans started to name him as the heir to Busquets.
While the expected return of the youngster is still a long way off, the question does arise: Who will be the starting CDM for the Blaugrana when Bernal is fully fit. Marc Casado another promising La Masia graduate stepped up when Marc was sidelined due to an injury. Ever since then the former captain of Barca Atletic has shown equally world-class abilities in the CDM role at the biggest stages. His performances have been so consistent and promising that he has reserved his role in the starting 11. Fans did not hold back back to hand Casado the same title as Bernal and chanted him as the heir to Busquets.
Two birds with one stone
While the comeback of Bernal may seem like a dilemma for Hansi Flick it can also present him and his players as a great opportunity. Marc Bernal can take over as the pivot for Barcelona while Marc Casado can take over Pedri’s role of circulating the ball over the pitch as he has shown great qualities of extraordinary vision and an ability to get out of pressure. This setup can finally free Pedri from his responsibilities deep in the midfield and he can finally play as a true no.8 just as a player like him should. Barca forwards will have chances raining for them from Pedri playing as a CAM he showcased it perfectly in his game against Atletico Madrid.
