Liverpool are weighing up a move for Barcelona midfielder Mark Bernal in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Merseysiders have enjoyed a solid start under the management of Andoni Iraola, remaining unbeaten in their last seven matches. Yet, their midfield still requires bolstering.
Initially, the Reds had their sights set on Lamine Yamal from Monaco but have since shifted focus to the 19-year-old Bernal due to the high price tag on the former.
Spanish journalist Juan Jesus reports that Barcelona are open to letting Bernal leave this winter. The young Spaniard has only racked up 319 minutes on the pitch this season, and with Frenkie de Jong back in action, his playing time is likely to dwindle even further.
Analyst Bola Atta from Tactical Football Analysis has outlined why Bernal could be the ideal addition to Liverpool's system.
Mark Bernal embodies the modern defensive midfielder within Barcelona’s 4-3-3 formation. His role in Hansi Flick's tactics goes beyond simply sitting in front of the defence; he acts as the main link, orchestrating play and controlling the tempo of matches. In most games, he operates as a lone pivot, providing the team with stability in attack.
However, in certain situations, particularly against teams that press high, he transitions into a double pivot to ensure a reliable outlet from defence. Bernal possesses an acute sense of timing, eschewing impulsive forward runs and holding his position behind the ball to maintain a constant flow of the game. A key aspect of his role is his ability to connect the defensive, midfield, and attacking lines, as he consistently moves to offer passing angles, either laterally to stretch the pitch or vertically to support attacks.
