Marc Bernal: Profile, playing style and scouting report

The Spanish youngster is considered a gem in the La Masia academy.

Marc Bernal is only 17 years old, but the talented defensive midfielder is one of the most promising academy products of FC Barcelona’s world-renowned youth setup, La Masia.

Bernal is currently a part of the Barça Atlètic team in the third division of Spanish football and has represented the Spain national team at the Under-17 level. Bernal officially joined the La Masia academy in the year 2014 at the mere age of six and has ever since worked his way up through the various youth categories. Last season, he was promoted from Barcelona’s U-16 team to Barça Atlètic.

Past Experience

In the year 2011, Marc Bernal started his career as a promising youth product of the Spanish side CE Berga. After a steady growth in his game over a two-year period, Bernal joined the academy of Gimnàstic Manresa in 2013.

Following an incredible development in his overall playstyle, Bernal was recruited by Spanish giants Barcelona as a part of their academy just a year later. Ever since, Marc Bernal has developed into an amazing defensive midfielder who is expected to make his first-team debut for the Blaugrana in the near future.

Owing to his impressive performances, Bernal signed his first professional contract with Barcelona last summer, putting pen to paper on a long-term deal until June 2026.

On August 27, 2023, the talented Spanish midfielder made his senior and professional debut with Barcelona Atlètic in a 1-0 defeat to Logroñés in the Primera Federación. However, Bernal bagged his first two professional goals with Barcelona Atlètic during a 3-1 win over Sestao later that year. Marc Bernal also represented Spain at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Stats

Bernal has represented Spain at the U-17 level so far, where he has managed to earn nine caps in total. He made four appearances for the national team during Spain’s quarterfinal run in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

During the 2023-24 season, Marc Bernal enjoyed a breakout campaign at Barça Atlètic, as he made an impressive 36 appearances across all competitions, recording two goals and six assists in the process.

Marc Bernal’s playing style

Marc Bernal likes to operate as a deep-lying orchestrator in the heart of the midfield. With his tall and strong body type, Bernal is a dominant physical presence that can win the ground and aerial duels owing to his smart interceptions and strong tackles. Bernal functions best when he is placed at the base of a midfield triangle as the chief creator who can dictate the tempo of play.

The 17-year-old Spaniard is highly elegant and technical on the ball, as he is able to manoeuvre through tight spaces with his fantastic footwork and close control skills. In addition, Bernal’s stellar passing range and high footballing IQ make him a press-resistant player in possession. Despite being left-footed, Marc Bernal can comfortably pass, control, and shoot with his weaker right foot.

Similar types of players

In modern-day football, Bernal is very similar to the likes of former Barcelona star Sergio Busquets and current Manchester City player Rodri.

Owing to his incredible ball-playing ability, coupled with his rock-solid defence prowess, Marc Bernal is undoubtedly a future world-class defensive midfielder in the making.

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