Frenkie de Jong’s absence posed a significant challenge for Hansi Flick, yet Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Villarreal highlighted that solutions may already exist within the squad. Marc Bernal played 67 minutes as the holding midfielder, the role traditionally held by de Jong.
The young player showcased maturity beyond his years, recording 66 interceptions and maintaining a 90% pass accuracy. He successfully balanced defensive duties with maintaining offensive flow, avoiding unnecessary risks and controlling the game’s tempo. When Bernal was substituted, Eric Garcia stepped into the same position, giving the coach two viable options depending on the match situation.
In summary, Barcelona has found an internal solution to the void left by Frenkie de Jong and possibly a future key player in Marc Bernal.
