For the most part of the last season, it was believed that the main priority of FC Barcelona for this summer transfer window would be to sign a midfield pivot. However, the Catalans pursued more attacking options in this market, and as things stand, they have not signed any midfield pivot.
But this lack of a new signing does not mean there are no new players for this position in Flick’s team. The German tactician has taken advantage of the youth academy to get Marc Casado and Marc Bernal to play for his team, and the two youngsters have not really disappointed.
Marc Bernal started the match against Athletic Club in the midfield last night, and as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the 59-year-old German tactician explained his decision to field such a young player and highlighted how the youngster put in a reliable shift against a very difficult side:
“This isn’t about age but about results and performance, and Bernal is getting good results, even during the preseason. He has the qualities that we need, and he’s doing very well.”
“Today’s match wasn’t easy; Athletic is very clear about the style they want to use, they know how to attack and exploit the space behind our back four. It was crucial today to have a defensive midfielder focused on defense, and that’s exactly what he did.”
These comments show that Hansi Flick is quite satisfied with Bernal’s performances, and might go on to rely on the youngster to fulfill the midfield pivot duties going forward in the season.
Thus, FC Barcelona might not have to spend their cash on a new pivot and use their resources to sign players for other weak areas in the squad in the remaining days of the summer transfer window.
