Marc Bernal takes first midfield lesson from Rodri in Barcelona’s Champions League meeting with Feyenoord

Marc Bernal and Barcelona’s new midfield star Rodri played alongside one another for the first time this season during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Feyenoord.

Bernal came on for Pedri in the 63rd minute, creating an unusual midfield combination involving the Barcelona academy graduate and Rodri, one of the most accomplished players in the position.

The 18-year-old initially operated just a few metres from Rodri, in the area usually occupied by Pedri. He played slightly further forward than the Ballon d’Or winner and quickly showed plenty of energy, becoming actively involved in Barcelona’s passing moves.

That shape changed in the 83rd minute when Gavi replaced Rodri. Bernal then moved back into the holding midfield role he had occupied in the two matches he has started this season, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Bernal has already demonstrated his ability to adapt across the midfield. Last season, when Rodri was absent, the academy graduate sometimes played as the deeper midfielder. He also appeared as an attacking midfielder in a Champions League group-stage match against Paris Saint-Germain.

Those positional changes underline his importance to Barcelona and the range of his skills in the centre of the pitch. His 20 minutes alongside Rodri provided his first “advanced lesson” from one of the leading midfielders of the modern era.

The session also gave Rodri, a former Manchester City player, the opportunity to show manager Hansi Flick that the two midfielders can operate effectively together. Although their styles have similarities, their time on the pitch suggested they can both excel in a talented Barcelona midfield.