FC Barcelona once possessed a midfield that the greats of Europe would envy without a veil. Today, they still possess a team that displays a good level of quality all around. However, there was one component of the midfield of old that truly separated Barcelona from all others.
Sergio Busquets, now a Barcelona icon and former player, was once the backbone of the club’s midfield. The Spanish veteran possessed a unique ability to slow the game and make it run how his legs wanted it to. His contributions to Barcelona allowed the Catalan giants to enjoy their golden peek.
On the other hand, his departure has damaged the club just as much. In terms of a stylistic fit, Barcelona are unable to find any. No amount of money or scouting can enable the club to replace Busquets in the perfect way that they would ideally like. However, they may have just found an answer from within the walls of the club itself.
Heir to Busquets
As highlighted by SPORT, 16-year-old Marc Bernal is a player being looked at as the next big thing. The midfield talent possesses undeniable skill and has a massive potential. So much so that SPORT believes that Barcelona look at him as a possible new iteration of Sergio Busquets himself.
Able to play as a capable defensive midfielder, Bernal possesses great technical ability. Moreover, beyond just his accurate passing and ability to modify the game’s tempo, he also has a dynamic edge to his game. This ‘edge’ has allowed him to not just be a great conductor of the midfield but also act as a spearhead when needed.
Bernal’s own edge
Scoring goals and thwarting opposition defenders are an additional quality of Bernal’s. Currently mainly playing for Barcelona Athletic under the mentorship of Rafa Marquez, he continues to impress in the subsidiary.
Moreover, Barcelona even consider that the player will be able to prove his quality at its best when he travels to Indonesia soon. The Under-17 FIFA World Cup will allow Barcelona the chance to watch Bernal compete against the best of his age.
Traveling with the Spain side competing in the prestigious tournament, Bernal will carry a huge responsibility. Given that he is among the country’s most prominent starlets, he will be expected to lead the side’s midfield as the anchor.
La Masia’s latest
Just like Sergio Busquets before him, Bernal could be La Masia’s newest great. His contributions in the upcoming international tournament could help Barcelona accelerate his continuity even further.
Already impressing at an alarmingly fast rate as he progresses through the Barcelona ranks, Marc Bernal could potentially even reach his dream of playing under Xavi Hernandez depending on how he performs in Indonesia.
