Marc Bernal or Frenkie de Jong? Hansi Flick has a midfield dilemma
· Yahoo Sports
After Joan Laporta won the recent presidential elections, it was quickly claimed that Hansi Flick would stay on at the club for another season and sign an extension to his contract until the summer of 2028. The German coach then confirmed that Barcelona will be his last job in football.
Since his appointment, the German has transformed the fortunes of the first team and has overseen a squad that has scored more goals in all competitions during his first 105 games in charge (298) than even Pep Guardiola’s swashbucklers managed (244).
Visit truewildgame.online for more information.
Having a brilliant front three clearly served both managers well, though Flick’s back line can’t be compared to Guardiola’s defence.
A midfield trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets is unlikely to ever be replicated too, though Flick does have some generational talents to choose from.
Pedri, for example, has often been compared to those players from Barca’s golden era, whilst Marc Bernal has the calmness and authority of Busi, if not the experience.
Fermin Lopez continues to justify a place in the starting XI, whilst Frenkie de Jong remains the player who oils the wheels between defence and attack.
The Dutchman’s recent injury has arguably come at the worst possible time for him, given that Bernal has seamlessly fitted into the role in De Jong’s absence.
And therein lies one of Flick’s dilemmas.
Pedri is a shoo-in; Fermin and Dani Olmo can rotate, Gavi is ready to return, and Marc Casado has been good if not great when called upon this season.
It’s the defensive midfield position that is likely the most concerning for the German, given that De Jong has proven time and again that he not only has the skill set to adequately protect his back four, but also the dynamism to break the lines and offer a supplementary presence in attack.
His elite-level experience isn’t in question, and at 28 years of age, he’s in his prime as a footballer; however, the standard of Bernal’s recent performances can’t be overlooked either.
Taller and more physically imposing than De Jong, the 18-year-old glides across the pitch with ease, always keeps things simple and he seemingly has that quality that allows him time and space when in possession.
He, too, has popped up in attack and scored some crucial goals, and you simply don’t change a winning team.
What’s more, Bernal has never looked out of place, so he isn’t a player for the future despite his young age, he’s ready to spread his wings right now.
Decisions, decisions…what would you do if you were Flick?