Flick ready to count on Barcelona academy duo, delighted with pre-season performances

Hansi Flick got a chance to take a good look at the Barcelona players in a match setting as they played UE Olot in a friendly encounter on Thursday evening.

The Blaugrana emerged winners with a 1-0 scoreline, courtesy of a goal from returning loanee Pablo Torre, who came on as a substitute in the second half.

Apart from Torre, two other young midfielders stood out in the game as Marc Casado and Marc Bernal caught the eye against Olot.

Hansi Flick very satisfied with La Masia duo

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that manager Hansi Flick is delighted by both Casado and Bernal and is very satisfied with their performances so far in pre-season.

As such, the Barcelona manager is ready to count on the La Masia duo when the season starts, especially with the Catalans struggling with injuries in the midfield department.

Casado and Bernal, both of whom signed new contracts recently, did not start for Barça against Olot, but came on as substitutes and helped change the rhythm and the tempo of the game in the second half.

Casado has gained a lot of experience in recent seasons in the reserve team and is showing great defensive intensity, adding to his good ball-handling.

Against Olot, he had much more attacking freedom than he was given in last season’s games with Barça Atletic – a sign that Flick wants his midfielders to push upfield frequently.

Marc Bernal has impressed Flick. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

Meanwhile, Bernal is surprising everyone with his great maturity despite his youth. The 17-year-old midfielder has undergone a great physical evolution in the last year and Flick used him as a more positional pivot against Olot.

As has already been reported before, Barcelona see Bernal as having more than enough potential to be the future No. 6 of the first team.

Injuries in midfield open the doors

As mentioned earlier, Barcelona have been hit hard with injuries in the midfield department.

Gavi, recovering from an ACL injury, is still a few months away from making a comeback. Frenkie de Jong has still not recovered from his ankle injury and there is still no clarity over his return. Meanwhile, Pedri is also sidelined with the knee injury he suffered at the Euros.

This could open the doors for Casado and Bernal to get chances once the season starts and the manager now seems ready to count on the La Masia duo after being impressed by the pair in pre-season.