Hansi Flick staring at an inevitable debate involving Barcelona midfield duo | OneFootball

Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal has always been seen as one of La Masia’s brightest prospects. Belonging to the same cohort as Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, he has also long been seen as equal to the duo in terms of his capabilities.

An ACL injury delayed his arrival on the big stage, but Hansi Flick has counted on him slowly this season, and the player has returned to his best version.

At one point in the winter, Bernal was close to leaving the club on loan, but Flick ended up pulling the plug on it and it is safe to say that both the manager and player are pleased with how matters have progressed.

An inevitable debate

As reported by AS in a recent report, it is inevitable that Bernal and Frenkie de Jong create a dilemma in Flick’s mind, sooner rather than later, over which player is ahead in the pecking order.

De Jong’s injury earlier this year was expected to be a massive blow to the manager’s plans, especially given how he has been vital in the team’s buildup and midfield control this season.

Frenkie could return after the international break. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The numbers, however, do not lie and the club have won 13 and drawn one of the 14 games the Dutchman has missed this season. Part of the reason is Bernal’s excellent return to form in recent weeks.

The youngster was part of both of the team’s best performances this season, the 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid and the 7-2 win over Newcastle United, and has not only brought control and order to the midfield but also directly contributed to goals.

At this point, it is clear that Bernal’s rise will not allow De Jong back into the lineup until the latter is at 100%.

Flick wishes to be careful with both players’ fitness, and it is only a matter of time before he is forced to begin choosing a favourite.

The problem is a good one for the German coach to have, and the duo will likely coexist given the hectic schedule. Which one ends up above the other on the pecking order, however, remains to be seen.