Marc Casado’s stats from Barcelona vs Monaco justify Hansi Flick’s faith in him

The recent loss to Monaco left a lot to be desired from Hansi Flick’s Barcelona as it was their first defeat of the season. By the end of the game, the Catalan giants left a lot of unanswered questions that could have bigger repercussions later on this season. Fortunately for Barcelona, the game also provided some much needed answers as well.

Primarily, however, it must be remembered that this game came pretty early on in the season. Fortunately for La Blaugrana, it allows them to make the tweaks and adjustments they need to make in order to avoid any future issues that could culminate in the same kind of result.

One major question that this game did answer, however, was related to 21-year-old Marc Casado. A player who has been indispensable for Hansi Flick ever since the unfortunate injury to Marc Bernal, this match proved that the youngster has the ability to stand his ground even in the most hostile situations.

However, that is not just an opinionated statement that can be discredited easily. In fact, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, the statistics for Casado from the game between Barcelona and Monaco are right there to prove just how capable he seems to be in the face of adversity.

Offensively, the player attempted seven passes into the final third, making him the most vertical and penetrative ball-player for Barcelona. Across all kinds of passes, he completed the game with an 88% pass completion and it should be noted that he only lost the ball on three occasions in the second half.

Even the pass that allowed Lamine Yamal to score the only goal of the game for Barcelona was counted as a Marc Casado assist. Thanks to this latest goal contribution, he now has two assists in two consecutive games, highlighting his development as a creative midfielder.

Furthermore, playing with the added burden of having lost a player to an untimely red card, Casado’s workload was massively increased. Endlessly running and covering the empty spaces, his defensive output was arguably just as impressive if not more than the offensive contributions he made.

With the most defensive duels won out of any player on the pitch in that Champions League clash, Marc Casado was tenacious and efficient in his duels. He also committed the most fouls while not getting sent off, a trait that shows his intelligence in terms of committing tactical fouls in early stages of plays to avoid unnecessary bookings.

Apart from the other regulars in the first team who also happen to be youngsters, it must be remembered that this is Casado’s breakout season under the senior team. Fortunately for Barcelona, the player has the spirit and the skill to continue representing the team and Flick will be hopeful about having him available against Villarreal.