As Barcelona began preparations for the new season without the majority of their first team stars due to their participation in the World Cup, many expected Marc Bernal to make a real case for a starting spot in preseason. So far, that hasn’t happened.
Through the first two preseason assignments against Birmingham City and the triangular tournament against Udinese and Nottingham Forest, Bernal has had a few good moments but has struggled to put together performances that make it clear he will be in the starting
XI for the first competitive match of the season.
Bernal did make a case to start for Barça in Hansi Flick’s first preseason in charge in the summer of 2024, when Bernal was brilliant in the friendlies against Man City and Real Madrid and earned a spot in the XI before suffering a devastating knee injury.
The 19-year-old is still working his back to fitness since his comeback from major surgery but had some really good moments at the end of last season, and the expectation was he would be able to carry that form into this preseason.
We haven’t seen anything close to Bernal’s best version so far, and his struggles in the defensive midfield position are especially notable. Bernal looked like Barça’s pivot of the future two years ago, but his best moments since the injury have all come in a more advanced role with the freedom to step into shooting positions.
The imminent arrival of Rodri will do wonders for Bernal’s development as he’ll get to learn from the world’s best defensive midfielder, but his minutes will likely be impacted initially if Rodri remains healthy throughout the season.
One has to wonder if the initial project of Bernal as a pivot will be adjusted as he develops, or if Rodri’s presence will help clarify Bernal’s role and make him a full-time understudy to the Spain captain until he’s ready to take over in a couple of years.
The fact is the pitcure doesn’t look as clear when it comes to Bernal’s place in the team as it did a while ago, but the good news is he’s still only 19 and has more than enough time — and talent — to figure it out.
