Ahead of the 2024/2025 season, FC Barcelona faced significant criticism from their fans for failing to address their grievances in the defensive midfield position.
While the addition of Dani Olmo and the coaching overhaul instilled optimism, entering another season without a high-profile pivot in the squad was met with tremendous skepticism.
Fortunately for the Blaugranes, Marc Casado has eased all sorts of concerns with his dependable displays.
Once regarded as a fringe player with limited prospects for regular playtime, Casado’s rapid transformation into a first-team mainstay has been nothing short of inspiring.
Casado earns indispensable status
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano rumors of Premier League interest in Marc Casado are being dismissed, as Barcelona considers him untouchable.
Both Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco view him as an essential piece of their long-term plans. The young midfielder’s contract reflects this importance, featuring a €100 million release clause.
Casado’s rise to the first team was far from straightforward. It was the injuries to key players, including a long-term setback for his main competitor, Marc Bernal, that opened the door for him to secure regular playing time.
Since being entrusted with a starting role, though, the 21-year-old has not looked back. Dominant performances in recent weeks encapsulate his worth to the squad. He has notched three assists in the last three games, two coming against heavyweights like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Beyond his remarkable ability to break lines, Casado’s off-the-ball maturity has become a defining feature of his game. His well-timed tackles, instinctive ball recovery, and exceptional spatial awareness have brought qualities to Barcelona’s midfield that were previously lacking.
His partnership with Pedri in the double pivot allows Barcelona to control games in chaotic situations, while also ensuring there is ample ball-winning and creativity present.
Such salient strides hardly make Flick’s fondness for the player and Barcelona’s determination to fend off competing suitors unsurprising.
