Hansi Flick’s Midfield Dilemma: Six into Two Doesn’t GoAs FC Barcelona gears up for a crucial new era under Hansi Flick, one of the German tactician’s most immediate and pressing challenges is staring him right in the face: an overcrowded midfield.
With only two starting midfield spots available in his likely 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 hybrid systems, Flick must now choose from a pool of six talented yet vastly different midfielders each with their own case to start, their own setbacks, and their own expectations. Managing form, fitness, and egos will be a weekly juggling act and the decisions made could very well shape Barça’s entire season.
Pedri The Irreplaceable Link
Few players are more central to Barcelona’s current identity than Pedri. After making 37 La Liga appearances last season, the Spanish midfielder has cemented himself as one of Europe’s most intelligent creators.
Whether it’s feeding Lamine Yamal on the flank or linking with Raphinha in the half-space, Pedri brings rhythm, balance, and technical mastery to the side. His ability to control tempo and find pockets of space is unparalleled, and under Flick’s structure, his place in the XI seems non-negotiable fitness permitting.
Frenkie de Jong Calm in Chaos
After a season plagued by intermittent injuries, Frenkie de Jong returned to the pitch with a point to prove — and did just that. His ability to glide through pressing traps and progress the ball remains elite, and he could be Flick’s key to unlocking vertical transitions from deep.
Although contract renewal talks remain unresolved, the Dutchman’s form speaks louder than negotiations. Most observers believe he’ll partner Pedri in the pivot. But with Barça’s midfield options increasing in depth and youth, nothing is guaranteed.
Casadó Hungry and Recovered
Marc Casadó was one of Barça’s revelations early last season a tenacious presence in midfield with surprising composure beyond his years. His performances even earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team, a rare feat for a young holding midfielder.
However, an unfortunate LCL injury in March derailed his momentum. Now fully recovered, Casadó returns with a point to prove and a spot to reclaim. While his versatility and ball-winning instincts are valued, it remains to be seen whether he can break back into the first-team rotation ahead of more established names.
Gavi Barça’s Forgotten Warrior?One of the most heartbreaking stories last season was Gavi’s long-term injury, which kept him out of action for the majority of the campaign. Fierce, energetic, and emotionally tied to the club, Gavi had been a consistent starter under Xavi and a fan favorite.
But under Flick, he faces a different situation. With a midfield packed with playmakers and passers, Gavi’s all-action style may either become a unique weapon or leave him on the fringes, struggling to find a tactical fit. How quickly he regains match sharpness, and whether he can rediscover the tenacity and control that defined him, could determine his future at the club.
Marc Bernal Flick’s Wild Card
Marc Bernal is a name that casual fans may not be familiar with, but Hansi Flick has kept a close eye on him. The young midfielder spent most of last season injured, but his intelligence and versatility in training have impressed the coaching staff.
Though still relatively untested at the highest level, Bernal could be a surprise inclusion in domestic cup matches or late-game situations. With Flick known for promoting youth if they prove themselves Bernal’s rise could mirror that of Pedri’s or Gavi’s in earlier seasons.
Oriol Romeu On His Way Out
Once brought in as a stop-gap solution to the defensive midfield conundrum, Oriol Romeu now appears to be completely out of Flick’s plans. With the club actively working to find him a new destination this summer, his days in a Barça shirt are likely numbered.
Though he provided some stability in stretches, the reality is that Barcelona is looking to build for the future and Romeu, despite his experience, doesn’t align with that trajectory.
Flick’s Tactical Conundrum
The German coach is renowned for his systematic, high-intensity style of play, often demanding positional awareness and fast ball circulation from his midfielders. But with only two central midfield spots likely available per match, Flick now faces the unenviable task of rotating six players who all expect or need significant minutes.
And the dilemma doesn’t stop there. The congestion spills over into the goalkeeper situation with Ter Stegen injured and Joan García waiting in the wings as well as in the attacking midfield and wing roles, where young talents are jostling for space behind big-money signings.
The Season Ahead: Survival of the Fittest
For Flick, this selection puzzle is both a luxury and a looming problem. Keeping harmony in the dressing room, especially with high-profile stars like Gavi and De Jong, will test his man-management skills. Yet, it also gives him the tactical tools to adapt and reshape games mid-match, and to respond to injuries or form dips without sacrificing quality.
But one thing is certain: not everyone will be happy. The battle for Barcelona’s midfield is about to begin, and only those who consistently deliver mentally and physically will survive the cut.
