Marc Casado has not too long ago cemented his spot in Barcelona’s first-team after rising by the ranks of La Masia. After a terrific begin to this yr, we might be taking a look at his taking part in fashion and what modified for him beneath Hansi Flick.
How Marc Casado Emerged This Season
Profession So Far
From becoming a member of La Masia at age 13 in 2016, it was clear Casado was at all times going to be a expertise. As he received older, extra achievements got here as he helped Barcelona’s Juvenil A staff win gold on two events in 2021 as captain. This could then result in him progressing to the reserve staff known as Barcelona Atlètic. As soon as once more, the Spaniard impressed as in his second season he turned captain for the facet and led them agonisingly near glory as they misplaced within the play-offs.
When it comes to worldwide appearances for Spain, Casado has additionally been a outstanding determine. Spain U16 and U17 sides are in his resume and so is the u21 squad as he returned to the youth setup after 4 years out. Then final yr, after impressing within the early levels of the season, the teen would decide up his debut for the European Champions in a 2-1 win in opposition to Denmark after which begin three days later in opposition to Switzerland.
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Within the first staff, not many possibilities got here till this season. Xavi did give him his debut for the membership, however within the two years with Casado, he solely performed him for a complete of 58 minutes. This was regardless of him coaching frequently with the senior squad and plenty of accidents coming for the likes of Pedri and Gavi. Sergio Roberto was usually most well-liked over him because the 32-year-old performed 24 occasions final season. A transfer away seemed probably for the 2024/25 season.
Nevertheless, this is able to all change when Flick arrived. Accidents to Frenkie De Jong, Gavi and Pedri led to Casado being began in pre-season alongside fellow academy graduate Marc Bernal. The duo then opened up the season with a 2-1 win over Valencia, however as soon as Pedri returned, Casado can be benched. This was till Bernal was sidelined with a cruciate ligament harm in August. This opened up an area in Flick’s system and he has been there ever since.
Taking part in Model
The 21-year-old has been a outstanding determine in Flick’s facet this season and right here’s why. Casado initially performed with Bernal within the pivot and he was within the extra superior position, however Pedri shortly changed him right here. Since then, he has performed the deeper position as a result of Bernal’s harm and since his teammates wouldn’t have been appropriate there.
Defensively, he has already proven his capabilities and why he’s a greater possibility within the pivot. This season he’s fourth in Europe’s top seven leagues for sliding tackles with 17, which is essential to his facet in breaking apart play and creating turnovers for counter-attacks. That is additional supported by him being within the prime three percentile for tackles in the mid-third of the pitch. Moreover, he’s third in Europe’s prime 5 leagues for Under-21’s successful defensive actions as he has reached 132 thus far. This stability permits Pedri to progress in a method that choices like De Jong couldn’t.
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In possession, he’s additionally sturdy as proven by these numbers. He on common completes 66 passes per 90, which is within the prime seven percentile, however with selection, as he excels with both short and medium-range passing types. This reveals that he’s an important possibility for dictating the tempo and retaining the sport transferring but in addition for unlocking defences. His figures for passes into the ultimate third are terrific and present that he can take dangers and make line-breaking passes. On common, he makes 7.67 passes into the ultimate third which is within the prime seven percentile, thus emphasising his balanced and well-rounded profile.
It isn’t simply on the ball, the place he’s at his greatest both. His management qualities are majorly necessary as he was at all times a frontrunner all through his time at La Masia. Flick is frequently seen speaking to him throughout video games and trying to relay directions by him. These management qualities are one other key a part of his recreation and might be a motive to decide on Casado with the entire younger gamers within the squad.
The Future
The gifted midfielder, who admires legends like Sergio Busquets is now a pivotal a part of Hansi Flick’s squad. He has made 23 appearances now this season in all competitions, which reveals how a lot his supervisor trusts him in controlling video games and defending the backline.
Because of the La Masia graduates kind, De Jong is now struggling to achieve minutes. The Dutchman has began simply three video games this season, which reveals that he has largely come off the bench for his 15 appearances this marketing campaign. For Casado to displace De Jong after such little expertise at this stage reveals the expertise he possesses.
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Regardless of this, his place within the squad isn’t assured. The foremost harm that got here to Bernal was what led to Casado’s minutes because the 17-year-old was the popular possibility initially within the deeper position. Subsequently as soon as he returns it is going to be fascinating to see who Flick prefers. Casado is enhancing each week as he performs extra usually however Bernal’s youth, approach and athletic construct make him an interesting possibility for the German supervisor.