Many players have had a remarkable run under Hansi Flick at FC Barcelona but no one has impressed more than Marc Casado. The ex-Barca Athletic captain’s unexpected breakthrough has come as a surprise to one and all.
Casado has emerged as the first-choice under Hansi Flick in midfield alongside Pedri. After the injury to Marc Bernal, Barcelona were scrambling for options to play in defensive midfield and the 21-year-old put his hand up and has made that position his own.
His good form early in the season has earned him a call-up to the Spain U-21 squad after almost five years. It is a reward for the good work and should he continue on a similar note, it is only a matter of time before Luis de la Fuente calls him up to the senior squad.
Speaking in an interview as quoted by SPORT, Casado has spoken about his relationship with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick. Here is what he had to say:
“Both the coach, with the confidence he gives me and his advice, as well as the team, which is also giving me a lot of confidence on the field, are helping me to perform at my best and play more attractively.”
The La Masia graduate went on to further explain why Flick is able to get the best out of him on the pitch. He continued:
“The coach understands what I need from him and what I like to feel comfortable on the field. When there are things that make me uncomfortable or the team isn’t comfortable, I try to talk to the coach to solve it and find a better way to play.”
In his short span as Barcelona coach, one thing that is really impressive about Hansi Flick is the relationship he shares with the players. The German seems to value a close inter-personal bond and Casado is one of the many beneficiaries of the same.
At this point, the transfer market valuation of Casado does not reflect the player that he has become. The 21-year-old looks unfazed under pressure and seems to have that extra second on the ball. That is always a sign of a great player in the making.
The games post the international break with the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid on the horizon would give fans a clearer reflection of what to expect from Marc Casado. His ceiling seems much higher than initially expected, at least in a Hansi Flick team and let’s wait and see how he develops.