Yahoo Sports Barcelona midfielder admits he looks upto club legend – ‘He was always a reference for me’
Marc Casado made his first start for Spain in the team’s game against Switzerland and dished out a stunning performance, earning praise from the manager, players and fans.
Having replicated his form at the international level is only a testament to the quality the youngster possesses and that his great run under Hansi Flick is no coincidence.
As Barcelona return to action, he will be the first name on the team sheet in midfield as he has been a reassuring defensive presence in the double-pivot and is irreplaceable.
Casado speaks on his evolution
Speaking in an interview with 3Cat, the young midfield talent reflected on his rise to the first team, the struggles he faced en route and his role models.
He began giving his two cents on his profile as a payer and what attributes he brings to the field whenever he plays.
“I think I’m a pretty complete player, but it is true that at a club like Barcelona, there are players who do really amazing things with the ball.
“I think I didn’t stand out that much in that aspect, because here are the best players in that area,” he added.
He then spoke about how he managed to provide something different even if he did not match his peers in terms of creativity and the fire that kept him going.
“I think I try to stand out a little bit more and offer something extra because at this club you don’t find that much. Here you find great players with the ball, and that’s what stands out the most in my game.”
Thoughts on Sergio Busquets
Casado then spoke about Sergio Busquets as his role model and what he admired about the club’s legendary defensive midfielder.
“I think that being like Busquets in the way I understand the game is a big thing right now, but I think I’m gradually trying to get closer to his level, trying to follow in his footsteps.”
“Obviously he was always a reference for me, and I focused a lot on everything he did,” he added.
Finally, the La Masia graduate also covered the areas where the two players differed. “It’s true that we’re not very similar physically, but I think that the most important things in this position are other things.”
A late bloomer at Barcelona
In a day and age where talents are breaking through in Barcelona at 15 and 16 years of age, Casado was a late bloomer. Speaking on the situation at the club and whether he ever felt he had missed his chance, he said,
“There is a common idea that breaking into the first team at 21 is considered too late, or that if you don’t do it by 20, you will never make it.”
“For me, going through the stages gradually was very useful, it helped me build myself as a person and as a player,” he added on playing in every level.
“I think that approach is what gives me the stability and ability to give my best now,” he concluded.
Finally, the player revealed that he never thought the door had closed for him despite not earning much playing time in his teens.
“No, I never really thought about that. But I hear comments from people that say that if you’re not in the first team at 17, it means you’re not good enough or ready for the elite.”
“However, I’ve always been confident in myself, and focused on working hard, which I think is the most important thing to improve and reach the level I want to be at,” he added.
