Yahoo Sports Hansi Flick’s bold choice rewarded as Barcelona starlet impresses with strong stats
Marc Casado has always been regarded as a player with immense potential. However, under Xavi’s management, he struggled to break into the first team, despite his obvious talent.
Interestingly, things have changed under Hansi Flick, who has placed his trust in Casado, recognising his abilities and giving him the responsibility to lead when the team needs it most.
Known for his technical skill and tactical awareness, Casado has made a strong impact this season, having played 452 minutes across both La Liga and the Champions League, featuring in six games.
Casado has been Flick’s obvious choice
Apart from the Villarreal match, where he came off the bench for a half-hour appearance, Casado has been a starter in every game, and after being left out against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano, he has appeared in five consecutive matches, much to Flick’s satisfaction.
One of the standout aspects of Casado’s game is his remarkable work rate. In a Champions League match against Monaco, UEFA’s data (as cited by SPORT) revealed that he covered an impressive 11.79 kilometres, out of a total of 104 km for the entire Barcelona team.
His ability to cover ground is complemented by his intelligent positioning, as shown by heat maps, which highlight his movement on the left side of the pitch, but also in more central and advanced areas, offering support in attacking phases.
The Barça DNA
Casado’s quality on the ball reflects the Barça DNA. His passing accuracy is exceptional, boasting a success rate of 91.4% in La Liga and 88% in the Champions League.
In addition to his passing prowess, Casado has contributed two key assists. However, it is not just his technical ability that makes Casado stand out. His intensity and resilience on the field are what define him as a player.
Statistically, he wins 60% of his duels and averages over three recoveries per game. His character and leadership, traits he has displayed throughout his rise in Barcelona’s youth ranks, are equally important.
Casado has captained almost every Barça youth team he has played for, and his influence is now beginning to show at the highest level.
