Bernal outlines the ambitions of La Masia class of 2007 – ‘We have dreamed together as children’ | OneFootball

Marc Bernal’s importance for Barcelona has steadily, yet surely, increased in recent months, especially after the injury to Frenkie de Jong.

The youngster has now become a default starter for the club under Hansi Flick and has done well in his opportunities on the field, proving why he is so highly rated internally.

Belonging to the same age-group as Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, he is seen as the next big breakout star from that special generation.

Bernal’s interview

The academy star spoke to SPORT in a recent interview where he delved into his cohort in La Masia – the generation of 2007 – and how so many of them have anomalously broken into the Barcelona first team together.

“We have dreamed together as children and we are dreaming now to win titles. To win the Champions League and in our case (referring to Lamine and Cubarsi) also the World Cup. They are the dreams that remain to be fulfilled.”

He then explained how he still feels at home in the academy facilities and still regularly goes to meet his friends.

“Some days I return to La Masia, I still have friends of my generation and I’m going to see them.”

“We are the only club that has it and it is super special. We all do a lot and we have a spectacular group,” he added on Barcelona’s academy.

Bernal was then asked to name a few players who he thought would make progress in securing their first-team dreams soon.

“There are many, but I would tell you Dani Rodríguez and Juan Hernández, who will surely debut soon.”

On Dro Fernandez

Pedro left Barcelona for PSG in January. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images for Qatar Airways)

The young midfielder was then quizzed on former Barcelona player Dro Fernandez who left the club for PSG in the winter.

“I was in La Masia for many years and so was he. This year, above all, I took a lot of affection for him, to be 24 hours a day, on the tour we became very close friends,” he said.

He then extended his support to the now PSG star amid all the slack that has been directed towards him for his transfer.

“I support him to the maximum in his decision, everyone has their things, it is his decision and I will support him throughout his career.”

“I have been able to see him since he was little and that he does the same in the elite, in the first team of Barça, is crazy,” he added.

On Lamine Yamal

Finally, the player spoke out on Lamine Yamal and what made the Spanish winger such a special player.

“Lamine is the best football player I have ever played with. Without a doubt,” he began.

“In games of the level that I had not yet played, such as the Champions League or the return of a semifinals of the Copa del Rey, Lamine helped me to be calm,” he added on their camaraderie.

Finally, he was jokingly reminded how he had outscored Yamal back in the pre-Benjamin category, to which he modestly said,

“That lasted me for two years. But Lamine has crossed the line.”