It is always a difficult task for any Barcelona youngster to climb up the ranks from the subsidiary. While the most talented of players in the making tend to stand out early on, others take their sweet time. Eventually, however, Barcelona loves to rely on the youngsters who are able to make a difference irrespective of age.
That non-existent barrier is something that continues to drive the youth of today to fight for a place in the Barcelona first team as well. After all, the case of Fermin Lopez is one of grit and retribution, and he remains a shining grace for all of those footballers who believe that they may have lost their opportunity to make it to the first team.
However, while Lopez is a great example to display continuous hard-work and determination to achieve one’s goals, he is not the only one in the Barcelona first team. Another name who has fought similar battles to get where he is today is 21-year-old Marc Casado, the former captain of Barça Atletic.
As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, in his recent interview with Jijantes FC, the Barcelona midfielder revealed that while he is happy with the team’s progress so far, he was not always sure if he would even stay at the club this season:
“I’m very happy with the start of the season, things are going well both individually and, more importantly, for the team. Over the summer, I was wondering whether I’d renew or be loaned out.”
However, now that he knows that the club is willing to trust him and his ability as a player, his goal is an eternal one and it is clear as day in regards to what his aspirations are:
“My intention is to keep wearing this jersey for life. The secret is to always give 100%, that way you’re more likely to get more opportunities.”
It was not an overnight success either, and Casado’s hard-work throughout the years is finally managing to pay off for him, and he also stated that he continues to be supportive of the way La Masia is being run and the kind of talents that it is producing:
“I’ve been working the same way for 8-9 years, following this club’s philosophy, and you can see the difference when you reach the first team. Sometimes it’s hard for those who come from outside, it’s not easy. La Masia is doing things right, and you can see that with the 16 and 17-year-olds.”
As for his overall dedication to the team, the Barcelona youngster has made it quite clear that he willing to do whatever is necessary for the team, even if it tests the limits of his versatility across the pitch:
“I feel comfortable in any position; the important thing is to get as many minutes as possible wearing this jersey: as a 6, an 8, a 10, or even as a right-back.”
With a contract in place until 2028, Casado can be more than happy with the time he still has left at Barcelona. In case he was truthful with his words, his presence in the team could be a crucial one in seasons to come and also in this ongoing campaign where he continues to help Hansi Flick’s team achieve significant victories.
