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

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is testing a new midfield setup featuring summer signing Rodri alongside 19-year-old Marc Bernal. Rather than benching the teenager following Rodri's arrival from Manchester City, Flick is placing Rodri at the base of the midfield and deploying Bernal in an advanced number eight role.

The tactical adjustment allows Flick to field both players simultaneously rather than using Bernal strictly as a backup. Placing Rodri deep provides defensive security and distribution, offering Bernal freedom further up the pitch as Barcelona navigates its La Liga and Champions League campaigns.