Parma returned to the Serie A after spending three seasons in the second division. The Crusaders won the Serie B 2023-24 to ensure their 28th season in the top flight. Parma have a young squad with some excellent players from across the globe. They brought four players to strengthen their squad for the 2024-25 campaign. Some players played a big role in carrying the team to the Serie A. One of them was Spanish playmaker, Adrian Bernabe.
The 23-year-old joined the club in 2021. He is a former La Masia product and spent a few years at Manchester City’s academy. Bernabe started his professional career at Parma. The 2023-24 season turned out to be the breakthrough one for the youngster. His performances helped Parma to reach the top division. Bernabe was selected to represent his nation at Paris Olympics 2024. The youngster won the Gold Medal.
Adrian Bernabe has made an incredible start to the current campaign. There is a bit of change in his role. Parma started their campaign with a draw against Fiorentina. They defeated AC Milan in the second match and suffered a narrow defeat to Napoli. The Crusaders have made a better start than the other two promoted teams. Bernabe is a crucial player for the team. He attracted interest from several teams and here is a look at why these teams were looking to sign the young Spaniard.
From attacking to defensive mode
Adrian Bernabe is an attacking midfielder. He played in 35 Serie B matches for Parma in the 2023-24 campaign. The heatmap indicates that the youngster likes to play on the right side. His positioning was in the middle of the field. However, things are different in Serie A. The newly promoted teams need their players to give their 100%. Bernabe is playing more as a box-to-box midfielder. Once again he prefers to play towards the right but the Spaniard has covered plenty of areas on the field. Most of his contributions have been defensive.
There is a huge difference in the defensive territory of the player. He played a very high line in the second division as compared to this season. Bernabe has dropped more than he used to. Most of the defensive actions also took place in the defensive third. The youngster also helps the wide players while defending the goal.
One of the most impressive elements in Adrian Bernabe’s game is the ability to press on the ball and win it in attacking areas. He managed 66 counter-pressing recoveries last season and has already made four in the current campaign. These recoveries could turn into dangerous ones.
More to offer
Adrian Bernabe was one of the top performers in Serie B 2023-24. The above pizza chart shows the percentile rank of the Spaniard in comparison to other attacking midfielders in Tier 5 league football. Bernabe was a creative force in the team. He even won most of his defensive and aerial duels.
The 23-year-old ended the season with three assists. He could have had more but his teammates failed to convert a few chances. Bernabe attempted most of these passes from the right side. He is yet to create a goal for Parma in the Serie A.
Adrian Bernabe also scored eight goals. Most shots were attempted from a long range, leading to a lower xG rate per shot. However, the player carries a threat from outside the box. He would like to attempt more shots from inside the box and hope to score his first Serie A goal.
Big teams are already keeping an eye on the Spanish playmaker. He could be on a move next summer. However, he is still a Parma player and will hope to ensure at least another season in the Serie A.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine