"Marc Bernal's slow but sure return to his best has been fantastic to witness this season, and the FC Barcelona starlet has shown signs of having something special despite playing limited minutes. Manager Hansi Flick has always been an advocate of Bernal's brilliance but opted to face his reintegration with utmost caution - a decision that is now seemingly bearing fruit."
"Bernal made a massive statement in the team's game against Mallorca at the weekend, scoring the third goal with a great solo run and showing that he is back to his physical best. As relayed by SPORT, the teenager's fine performance at the weekend leaves Flick with a serious dilemma as to whether or not to start Bernal for the fourth straight game in the Copa del Rey."
"The opposition on the night - Atletico Madrid - will not be easy in any sense and will be a massive step up from the likes of Guadalajara, Racing Santander, and Albacete, against whom the midfielder started in the cup competition. Yet, there is a feeling that he may finally be ready for the big nights, especially given that Pedri is unavailable and Frenkie de Jong is also nursing discomfort."
Marc Bernal is gradually returning to his best form, showing glimpses of special quality despite limited minutes. Hansi Flick has reintegrated the teenager cautiously, giving him most of his minutes in the Copa del Rey against lower-ranked opponents. Bernal scored for Barcelona against Mallorca with a solo run that suggested improved physical sharpness. That performance raises a selection dilemma ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. Pedri is unavailable and Frenkie de Jong is carrying discomfort, creating space for Bernal. Flick can replace De Jong with Bernal and pair him with Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez, or deploy Bernal alongside De Jong in a double pivot.
Read at Barca Universal
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