This upcoming season, Barça will be able to boast one of the most complete and talented midfields in European soccer. Hansi Flick will have a total of seven midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermín, Marc Bernal, Marc Casadó, and Gavi.
This depth in midfield is a guarantee of quality and also a source of internal competition that will force everyone to give their best. With these seven footballers, the German coach will be able to create multiple combinations, adapting to each opponent and every moment of the season.
Roles in the midfield
In Flick's setup, Dani Olmo and Fermín are expected to share minutes in the attacking midfielder position, providing runs into the box, the final pass, and goals. The double pivot area is where there is the most competition. For those two spots, the coach will have to choose among five footballers: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casadó.
The first two are the favorites, both for their status and performance, but the battle for minutes will be intense. All the names bring different strengths, and the coach will have to find balance.
Minute management will be key
Hansi Flick will have to show all his ability as a locker room manager. Not everyone can play every match. There will be games where important names are left out of the starting eleven. Pedri and de Jong are the starters in the pivot, but Gavi wants to reclaim his place after the injury, and both Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó are pushing hard.
Rotation will be essential to keep the competitive level during a demanding season, with La Liga, Champions League, and Copa. In addition, Flick has made it clear since his arrival that everyone starts from scratch and that performance will be the only criterion to define roles. That's why no one has a guaranteed spot.
Gavi is clear about it
Despite the competition in midfield, Gavi is clear about his intentions. According to El Nacional, the Andalusian has stated that he has no intention of leaving Barça. He fully trusts his abilities and is determined to earn his place, no matter what it takes. Even though several teams like Atlético are interested, Gavi is determined to succeed at Barça.
With character, energy, and commitment, Gavi is a player who is highly regarded by the fans and the locker room. He knows the competition is tough, but he also knows he has everything it takes to stand out. In a Barça preparing to dominate Europe again, having footballers with that winning mentality will be key to the project's success.