Barcelona breakthrough star’s versatility highly valued by Flick, Deco – report

Marc Casado’s start to the season with FC Barcelona has been exceptional. The La Masia gem has played 15 matches under Hansi Flick, registering five assists, in addition to providing balance in the midfield.

Casado’s first-team breakthrough at Barça has led to him earning his maiden call-up for the Spanish national team, with a debut very likely.

Casado, who last season was a regular in the first team’s call-ups with Xavi Hernandez, although he only played 35 minutes, has become indispensable for the German coach, especially after the injury of another young La Masia player, Marc Bernal.

The new Sergi Roberto?

It must be remembered that Casado’s contract was set to expire on June 30 and, at some point, he doubted whether to stay at Barcelona due to the little prominence he had in the first team. But Deco and Flick’s faith changed things as he ended up signing a new deal until 2028.

Now, SPORT reports that the Blaugrana sporting director and the manager saw in Casado the new Sergi Roberto, who left the club after his contract had run out.

Casado is a player who is capable of playing as an interior as perfectly as he does as a pivot. His style of play fits perfectly with Flick’s philosophy.

In addition to his value in midfield, the coaches at Barcelona also believe that Casado can act as a right-back if necessary in any match to give Jules Kounde a rest.

In fact, he ended up in that position in the last league match vs Real Sociedad when Barcelona pushed for an equaliser and Flick brought on Gavi for Kounde.

That position is where Sergi Roberto performed best in his long Blaugrana career after coming up to the first team as a midfielder.

Casado’s versatility is another of the characteristics that have made him indispensable for Flick and a highly valued footballer for director Deco and Barcelona.