Barcelona youngster responds to Rodri competition with impressive start to season

Barcelona youngster responds to Rodri competition with impressive start to season Barcelona have started the new season with Marc Bernal at the base of midfield, as Hansi Flick continues to ease the likes of Pedri and Rodri in. Unlike the World Cup stars, the teenager enjoyed a full pre-season under the German manager and has been rewarded with starts against both Elche and Athletic Club. The teenager may have had reasons to wonder what Rodri’s arrival would mean for his development. However, according to SPORT , rather than being discouraged by the competition, the La Masia midfielder seems to be taking the increased challenge as motivation. Bernal responds on the pitch After signing Rodri, Barça moved quickly to reassure Bernal that their long-term faith in him remains unchanged. The club also intend to improve his contract. Bernal, for his part, has started the season strongly, producing a decent performance against Elche before following it up with a sublime display against Athletic Club. Marc Bernal has started the new season on a good note. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) The report points out that one noticeable development has been his aggression without the ball. The midfielder pressed with greater intensity against the Basque club and produced several important recoveries. One such turnover created a great opportunity for Lamine Yamal, whose well-taken shot was outrageously saved by Unai Simon. It is precisely the kind of evolution from Bernal that Hansi Flick will appreciate. His technical ability and understanding of the pivot position have already been well established. Adding greater defensive aggression and physical authority could make him a complete defensive midfielder. Rodri signing part of Barcelona’s plan for Bernal Crucially, Barça do not view Rodri and Bernal as an either-or choice. The report indicates that the former Manchester City star was signed both for his immediate quality and for the influence he can have on Bernal’s development. Rodri could help prepare Marc Bernal for the future. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Barcelona believe the youngster can learn from the Ballon d’Or winner’s positioning, composure and leadership. Their roadmap remains clear: Rodri can control the position at present while helping Bernal develop towards being ready to take it on in the future. For Flick, having both players is an enormous advantage. The German can manage an ageing Rodri’s minutes by using Bernal in a similar role. Barça spent years asking who Busquets’ replacement was without ever answering that question. With Bernal, they can ensure they know who c o mes after Rodri when the time comes.