Hansi Flick's new Barcelona midfield experiment features Rodri and Marc Bernal together

Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick is working on a new midfield system where he tries to push summer signing Rodri in the base with 19-year-old Marc Bernal higher up the pitch as a number eight.

Deco and the board's decision to bring Rodri back to La Liga from Manchester City was widely thought to have ended any hopes of Bernal's progression as a regular. Many people expected the 19-year-old to be pushed down as a second-choice option, ready to step in when Rodri needs a rest. Flick appears to be doing exactly the opposite, testing how the established star and his midfield prospect can work together on the pitch at the same time.

The value of a double-pivot

This is the kind of proactive management Barcelona needs. Rather than stalling Bernal's development, Flick is trying to broaden his versatility. Placing Rodri at the base of the midfield gives maximum security and quality distribution, creating space for Bernal to operate higher up the pitch without so much pressure.

For the Blaugrana supporters who see their team constantly grinded out over a packed La Liga and Champions League campaign, this double-pivot gives Flick a great tactic to close out games with the engine room well stocked with ball retainers.

Creating a healthy hierarchy

It goes without saying that finding space for both Rodri and Bernal creates an unbelievable bottleneck for the squad. The competition has already had a negative impact on fan-favourites like Gavi, who has struggled to find regular minutes early in the 2026/27 campaign.

However, recent reports show that Flick is still willing to nurture Gavi, even if he does not appear to have a role as a starter. The intense competition for Flick's starting XI is a fantastic sign, this is the kind of setup first-division clubs want to have.

Creating a squad with a presence in all departments means having world class players fighting it out for every spot available. Finding a way to integrate Bernal alongside Rodri shows that Flick will not let any of his stars rot on the bench just because it would be more convenient in terms of the formation.

Today's best reads

Deco locks down the midfield: Marc Bernal signs long-term Barcelona renewal

Sevilla vs Barcelona: La Liga preview, predictions, team news and TV info

Barcelona alert to Manchester City situation with Haaland, Cherki, and O'Reilly on shortlist

Barcelona’s secondary keeper debate takes center stage

How Manchester City’s legal trouble could hand Barcelona Erling Haaland