Barcelona may have unearthed a solution for the pivot problem in La Masia gem

Coming into the summer, it was widely believed that Barcelona would be targeting the signing of a new pivot midfielder as a top priority.

However, with around two weeks left before the new season starts, it appears that the signing of a new No. 6 has taken a backseat, with Barcelona instead focusing on attacking signings – Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, in particular.

Indeed, manager Hansi Flick is looking to bolster his attack and is not actively pursuing a new pivot midfielder as he believes he might have the necessary solutions within the club already.

Marc Bernal set for a first-team bump?

Indeed, according to SPORT, 17-year-old La Masia gem Marc Bernal has caught the eye of Barcelona first-team manager Hansi Flick during pre-season and is being seen as a possible solution for the ‘pivot problem’ at the club.

The teenage midfield prodigy, who recently signed a new contract with Barcelona, showcased his potential in his first high-profile encounter against Manchester City.

Bernal paired up with Marc Casado in the double pivot and was entrusted with a more defensive role than his senior partner on the night, and he shone.

Marc Bernal (C) impressed vs Man City. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

The teenager was often in charge of bringing the ball forward and initiating the attacking actions of the Blaugrana. He also excelled in anticipation and in giving solidity to the midfield with his presence.

Bernal played the role of the modern pivot that Barça need, with clarity on the ball, but also very concentrated in his defensive duties.

Ready to step up?

Bernal is one of the big bets of the youth team and Barcelona secured his renewal until 2026 recently, after a season in which he made the jump to the reserve team at just 16 years of age.

Under Rafa Marquez last season, the youngster ended up playing 31 games, in which he scored 2 goals and distributed 3 assists.

In terms of his physical build (he is 1.90 metres tall) and the way he moves on the pitch, Marc Bernal is reminiscent of a certain Sergio Busquets.

Given his potential, if he continues like this, he will once again surpass even the best expectations and no longer return to Barça Atletic, where they are beginning to assume that Bernal will stay in the first team next season.