He has six players for the double pivot and they don't all fit.
Next season won't be easy for Hansi Flick when it comes to putting together his Sunday squad. He currently has 26 players in the first team. And the push for a left winger is still on. Luis Díaz or Rashford will strengthen the squad, giving the squad an extra component. The Sporting Department is working on the release of some players in light of their high numbers.
One of the positions that will be most difficult to manage is the double pivot. Flick told the media last Thursday that there were too many players in midfield. For the double pivot, there are currently six players for two positions. And the problem the coach faces is who to put in place given the enormous talent each of them possesses. Except for Oriol Romeu, whose exit is being discussed, competition among the other five players will be fierce.
Pedri is untouchable
Right now, Pedri is untouchable. The Canary Islander had a spectacular season and has become one of the pillars of the Barça team alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Pedri is sure to be a starter. His injury problems behind him, he played 37 league games last season. That is, all but one. His appearance statistics will vary little in the next one. Of the two positions, one is practically a given.
De Jong's improvement
Second on the list is Frenkie de Jong. After a difficult start to the season due to injuries and having to work to regain his rhythm, he ended up being a clear starter and performing well. Casadó's injury made it easier for him to play the entire final stretch of the competition. The issue of his renewal remains to be resolved, but it is on track, pending negotiations with his new agent.
Casadó's recovery
Next up are two players who will put pressure on Pedri and De Jong. On one hand, there's Casadó. His performance in the first few months of last season was astonishing. He seized his opportunity when De Jong was injured and was a perfect complement to Pedri . Luis de la Fuente's call-up to the national team was no coincidence. His ligament injury in March slowed his progress, although by then De Jong had already won him the spot. We'll have to see how he recovers this season after that injury.
Gavi Unknown
Then there's the case of Gavi . It's clear to everyone that his performance last season wasn't what was expected. The injury he suffered was very serious, and it took him a while to get back into competitive form. This season must be a way to recover this player's best form. It won't be easy for him to take the places of the three previous players , and the option of playing in the attacking midfield won't be easy because there's also overbooking up front. The Gavi of two years ago would definitely be a starter, but the one from last season wouldn't be.
The surprise 'signing'
And then there's the case of Marc Bernal . Another player who suffered a serious injury and missed virtually the entire previous season, only making three league appearances. Flick has complete confidence in this midfielder, but it won't be easy for Bernal. He's already seen how hard it has been for Gavi to regain his form, and to make a name for himself at Barça, you have to be in excellent shape.
General overbooking
Flick will have to choose two of these five players for each match. He'll have to distribute minutes to keep them all engaged, but that means those who are benched will make a face. It's normal because everyone wants to play, but there isn't room for so many. The problem will be the manager's. But it won't be just in this position. The goal is on fire, and the same is happening in the attacking midfield. Overbooking everywhere.