Marc Bernal’s former Barcelona youth coach highlights his most underrated quality | OneFootball

It is no secret that FC Barcelona has always relied a lot on its young talent through the years. After all, there is a reason why La Masia is considered one of the best football academies in the world. Even today, Barcelona continues to rely on youngsters to shine when needed.

Despite certain transfer operations not going their way, the Catalan giants almost always remain reassured thanks to their young talents. Whether it be any player who does not arrive or even those that end up leaving, La Masia and the Barcelona youth teams almost always present reliable alternatives to consider.

Marc Bernal remains a bet for the future

Barcelona player Marc Bernal suffered an ACL injury last season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

One of the most impressive talents to emerge from the youth teams in recent years, however, is none other than Marc Bernal. Still just 18 years old, the young Spaniard has emerged as a player for the future and someone whose technical ability and maturity make him a great defensive midfielder.

Unfortunately, he is still recovering from an injury he suffered last season during an official outing against Rayo Vallecano. However, once he returns, he is expected to once again be a part of Hansi Flick’s plans for the first team.

Former Barcelona youth coach shares insights

Interestingly, however, a former youth coach of his recently provided some unique insights regarding the player. Jordi Font, a man who coached Bernal and other players from the 2007 generation, recently shed some light on Bernal’s recovery and ability.

As highlighted by SPORT, Font first spoke about the player’s recovery and provided some details about the youngster’s plans and motivations heading into the final stretch of his recovery from his ACL injury:

“He’s doing well. He’s overcome the toughest part of the injury and the recovery process. Now, the focus is on moving forward and reintegrating into the team. That’s his motivation. He’s training alone right now, giving 100%. His goal is to return in good shape, rejoin the group, and earn minutes on the pitch.”

Bernal’s most underrated quality

However, he also focused on the tactical side of things and spoke about his position on the field, highlighting the fact that he continued to always be among the youth team’s top scorers alongside Lamine Yamal despite being a midfielder:

“Marc has always played in midfield, but he’s very powerful, has a great long-range shot, and is excellent in the air. He’s always been among the top scorers in youth teams—alongside Lamine (Yamal).”

In fact, Font suggested that the Barcelona talent’s goalscoring ability is one of his most underrated attributes and is often overlooked by most people today:

Fortunately, Bernal is now close to returning and will get more opportunities to showcase his talents this season. Moreover, Hansi Flick is reportedly looking at other young talents to be given some chances as well in the upcoming preseason tour.