Barcelona midfield duo top the charts for key passing metric for U-22 players in Europe’s top 7 leagues

Barcelona midfielders Marc Casado and Pedri have emerged as key figures under Hansi Flick this season.

Their impressive performances have made them indispensable in the squad, despite the manager having numerous other options at his disposal. Now, it has become increasingly hard to imagine anyone else taking their place.

Both players have faced significant hurdles during their time at the club. Casado, for instance, struggled for recognition under former manager Xavi.

Had Xavi remained in charge, there was a genuine chance Casado would have left the club altogether.

Pedri, on the other hand, has dealt with recurring injury setbacks throughout his career. Despite these challenges, the duo has risen to prominence, becoming pivotal in Barça’s success.

The duo is now dominating

Their dominance isn’t just evident on the pitch but also backed by statistics. According to ‘Data MB’, Pedri and Casado are the top two players in Europe under the age of 22 for passes made in the final third of the pitch.

Pedri leads the chart with 199 passes, while Casado follows closely with 168. They surpass notable names like Cole Palmer (147), Ryan Gravenberch (134), and Pavlovic (130).

What makes these numbers even more impressive is the role both players occupy.

Unlike traditional attacking midfielders, Casado and Pedri operate from deeper positions in the Barça midfield, orchestrating play from the base rather than the front line.

Typically, the attacking midfield role has been filled by players like Dani Olmo, Gavi, or Pablo Torre. However, none of these players have had consistent game time this season due to various factors.

Casado and Pedri’s influence speaks volumes about their adaptability and football intelligence. They have become reliable playmakers, offering creativity and stability from deeper positions.

As long as they maintain this level of performance, it’s clear that they will remain fundamental to Barça’s future under Flick’s management.

Their ability to dictate play and break through defensive lines is proving invaluable for the team’s tactical approach.