The concept of a double pivot in football sounds very simple on paper where two midfielders sit in front of the defence, help in build-up and keep the backline protected.
However, in modern football, the double pivot has become one of the most important structural positions. The two deeper midfielders aren’t there just for the build-up, they are the reference point for the defence, and hold the entire structure of the team together.
In Hansi Flicks ‘4-2-3-1’ system the double pivot is the backbone of FC Barcelona’s positional play. Pedri under Hansi Flick’s system, has flourished in the deep-lying playmaker role, and both fans and pundits consider him as the best player in his position. He is a special player when it comes to press resistance, building from deep, and orchestrating the rhythm of the match. Therefore, the anchor role alongside Pedri must be a structural specialist. Different players have been tried alongside Pedri to form the perfect double pivot for Barcelona. While Frenkie de Jong, Eric Garcia and Marc Casado offer distinct qualities, the emergence of young Marc Bernal has sidelined everyone, and especially Casado who has got his minutes limited, and is likely being looked as a surplus. Young Marc Bernal is providing Barcelona a perfect mix of structural balance which Barcelona needs.
De Jong’s enigma: Discipline
Frenkie de Jong is one of the world’s best when it comes to ball progression. But as a deeper anchor which demands positional rigidity to act as a safety screen, he lacks the concentration and discipline throughout the 90 minutes. He is a natural progressor of the ball and wants to carry the ball forward, and influence the play higher up the pitch. This is what makes him very effective as a player. When paired with Pedri, De Jong’s role must be to hold the structural integrity. If both pivots push forward at the same time, the backline can be left exposed and against teams who are good at transitions, this can be a fatal mistake. It’s not that De Jong cannot defend. He is a natural proactive player so he doesn’t always have the discipline and dedication to defend the structure at all times.
Eric Garcia’s solidity
Before Marc Bernal’s rise, Eric Garcia looked like the logical choice as he provided the defensive stability needed for the double pivot. Eric Garcia is a man of many positions. He has done well everywhere he has played, be it centre back, fullback or as one of the pivots. He is a workhorse who is both reactive and defensively sound in creating disruption amongst the opposition. His game brings genuine defensive solidity in the midfield. However, he lacks the offensive factor that defines a modern Barcelona pivot. His best position in my opinion is still as a fullback where he provides a good balance between attack and defence.
Marc Bernal: The anchor with a number 10’s finesse.
What makes the 18-year-old special is his maturity, and positional awareness both on and off the ball. Standing at 193 cm, Bernal operates with certain finesse and control which shouldn’t be possible for someone of his height.
Despite his age, Bernal rarely makes mistakes and possesses rare defensive discipline. His positioning off the ball is elite. He doesn’t get drawn out of his position and knows how to hold his zone. He provides good passing options and keeps his positioning intact and supports the defence when needed. Defensively he offers more than De Jong and is better with the ball than Eric Garcia.
Because he played as a number 10 in his youth days, Bernal has a knack for scoring goals as well. Bernal is very comfortable receiving balls under pressure and possesses a range of line breaking passing quality. With his height he should become an aerial threat in the near future as well.
The role of an anchor at Barcelona is about providing more control. It’s not just about stopping attacks. It’s about preventing situations from becoming dangerous. This comes from positional awareness, timing and discipline. Even at a young age, Bernal seems to have understood this and is continuously getting better.
The verdict: The complete profile
The anchor role in Hansi Flick’s system demands discipline and positional awareness. It demands the player to be smart and understand how the structure of the team functions. Frenkie de Jong, Eric Garcia and Casado are all distinct players who offer something specific but Marc Bernal looks like the player who is the most naturally suited to feature as the double pivot alongside Pedri. Barcelona must hold on to him at all costs, particularly following the departure of recent young talents. Provided he fulfills his potential, we could be looking at a generational talent.