Hansi Flick’s Barcelona Midfield Puzzle: Six Talents, Only Two Starting Spots
As FC Barcelona transitions into a new era under German tactician Hansi Flick, one major challenge looms large ahead of the new season — an overloaded midfield with limited space for all the talent available.
Flick, known for his discipline and tactical clarity, is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 or occasionally a 4-3-3. But regardless of the shape, only two central midfield slots are consistently open — and six players are fighting for them. Managing this depth while keeping harmony, form, and fitness intact will be one of the defining tests of his early reign.
The Contenders: Barcelona’s Midfield Six
Pedri — The Brain of the Team
Pedri is the heartbeat of this Barça side. After an impressive 37 league appearances last season, he has become indispensable. His vision, passing intelligence, and control of tempo make him a natural starter — especially in Flick’s structure that values positional play. When healthy, his name is written in permanent ink on the team sheet.
Frenkie de Jong — The Composure in Chaos
Returning from injury, De Jong reminded everyone of his elite ability to bypass pressure and transition the ball vertically. Contract renewal talks remain stalled, but his form on the pitch is speaking louder than any negotiations. Many expect him to partner Pedri in midfield — but with youth rising behind him, his place isn’t guaranteed.
Marc Casadó — The Comeback Engine
Casadó made headlines early last season with gritty, mature performances in defensive midfield, even earning a senior Spain call-up. But an LCL injury in March paused his momentum. Now back to full fitness, he’ll have to prove he can reclaim his spot in a crowded lineup.
Gavi — The Warrior in Waiting
Gavi’s absence last season due to a long-term injury was felt deeply. Known for his relentless energy and passion, he was a regular starter under Xavi. Under Flick, his role is less clear. In a midfield dominated by technicians, can Gavi’s tenacity carve him a place — or will he become tactically expendable?
Bernal — The Surprise Package
A relatively unknown name to casual fans, Bernal has quietly impressed the new coaching staff during training. Though he missed most of last season with injury, his intelligence and versatility have not gone unnoticed. Flick may use him in cup competitions or as a late-game tactical switch — but his breakthrough could mirror that of Gavi or Pedri in years past.
Oriol Romeu — Exit Incoming
Initially brought in as a temporary fix, Romeu no longer fits into Flick’s vision. With the club working behind the scenes to find him a new home, his departure seems imminent. Despite offering moments of stability last season, Romeu simply doesn’t align with the club’s youth-focused rebuild.
Flick’s System vs. Squad Reality
Flick demands fast-paced circulation, tactical discipline, and intelligent positioning from his midfielders — qualities that several players on this list possess. But with only two regular spots per match and six players pushing for minutes, rotation will be ruthless.
What makes this more complex is that this midfield congestion isn’t the only headache: Barça also faces dilemmas in goalkeeping (with Ter Stegen injured) and in attacking midfield/wing roles, where new signings and academy talents are colliding for space.
High Stakes, Big Decisions
Flick’s ability to manage egos, make brave tactical calls, and maintain squad unity will be tested early. Big names like De Jong and Gavi won’t want to be benched — but the coach must reward merit, not status. Young players like Bernal and Casadó could thrive under his watch, while older names like Romeu are already on the way out.
In the end, this midfield situation is both a blessing and a burden. Flick has depth, yes — but also the pressure of choosing wisely in a season that could define Barcelona’s rebuild.
Survival of the Fittest
There’s no hiding from the reality: not everyone will survive the cut. Form, adaptability, fitness, and mindset will determine who gets regular minutes. For Flick, this midfield battle will be as tactical as it is political.
Let the battle for Barcelona’s midfield begin.
