FC Barcelona has a well-regarded and well-renowned image as being one of the clubs that tends to focus a lot on youth development. From La Masia to their youth scouting, the Catalan club is famous for this particular strength of theirs. Over the years, Barcelona have thus managed to produce and prepare many international stars as well.
Now, a certain 21-year-old midfielder looks set to become only the latest addition to a long list of Barcelona players throughout history who have had the opportunity to represent the Spanish National team. Marc Casado, a La Masia talent and former Barça Atletic captain, has been called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
According to Mundo Deportivo, moreover, the player looks set to make his debut for the senior men’s team over the course of the two upcoming games against Denmark and Switzerland. Interestingly, however, Casado has barely even played for the Under-21 team and is already an addition for the senior team.
Prior to his actual debut for the Under-21 side led by Santi Denia in October of this year, Casado has had no prior experience with that team. However, once he did get to make his debut against Matla for the European Qualifying games, the Spaniard has gone from strength to strength for Barcelona since he returned.
As a reward for those exceptional performances, he has now been given an opportunity to play for Luis de la Fuente’s senior team as they gear up for their upcoming matches. Moreover, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri out injured, the Spanish coach needed a player who could play as a holding midfielder alongside Martin Zubimendi, and Casado fits that role and other positions as well like a glove.
His tenacity and technical ability will definitely give him some chances to impress Luis de la Fuente, and it is now up to Casado to make the opportunity count. With no senior team experience so far, this will end up being the Barcelona youngster’s first ever taste of what the top level of international football has to offer.