Barcelona coach set to have a ‘welcome problem’ in midfield after the international break

Prior to the start of the new season, the midfield was believed one of the weak areas for FC Barcelona, largely due to a lack of depth following the exit of multiple stars, including Ilkay Gundogan.

However, once the next international break is over, new coach Hansi Flick may have a welcome problem on his hands.

Nine players competing for three positions

Indeed, Flick may be spoilt for choice as Barcelona steadily recover key players who were out injured.

Frenkie de Jong has recently boosted the Barcelona midfield with his return to action, while the likes of Gavi, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez are in the final stretch of their recovery.

Once they return to full fitness, after the upcoming international break, Flick will have nine players at his disposal, competing for three vacancies in the middle of the park.

Indeed, the likes of De Jong, Pedri, Marc Casado, and Eric Garcia will compete for the two available central midfield positions.

It must be noted that Pedri has been an ever-present figure in the Barcelona midfield this season, so the three other players will essentially be fighting for one vacancy.

As for the attacking midfield position, there is an even bigger competition, with Olmo, Fermin, Gavi, Pablo Torre and fighting for the roles.

This could be a welcome problem for Flick as he has made quite a few changes to his midfield so far this season.

Having so many options at his disposal could go a long way in helping the German better manage the squad.

The fact that so many players are vying for only one or two vacancies is also an indicator of how well Flick has managed to get the best out of the squad.

And this equation will only improve once the likes of Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal also return to full fitness.