Hansi Flick’s discovery midfielder might have earned a spot over Frenkie de Jong | OneFootball

Marc Casado is having an impressive 2024/25 season, establishing himself as a key figure at FC Barcelona. His performances have not only earned him recognition within the club but also made him a potential candidate for the Spanish national team.

The 21-year-old midfielder is proving to be one of the most exciting players under the management of Hansi Flick, taking significant strides in his development as a first-team regular.

While Casado had been on the fringes of the first team during Xavi’s tenure, it was under Flick that he truly began to thrive. The German has placed immense trust in the young midfielder, positioning him as an essential component of Barcelona’s double-pivot system.

This season, Casado has been a reliable and consistent presence in the middle of the park, showing maturity beyond his years.

His tactical awareness, defensive work rate, and ability to transition smoothly between attacking and defensive phases of play have all made him a standout performer.

A De Jong replacement?

Frenkie de Jong has competition from Marc Casado. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

One of the reasons for Casado’s increased playing time has been the unfortunate injuries to key midfielders like Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Marc Bernal.

While these injuries opened the door for Casado, he has undoubtedly taken full advantage of the opportunity. In fact, his form has been so good that there are whispers of him potentially securing a spot in the team over Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong, one of Barcelona’s most dependable players, might face competition from Casado, who is steadily building a case for more frequent starting appearances.

Casado’s contributions this season speak volumes. In just eight appearances, he has amassed 562 minutes of playing time and registered two assists. These numbers may not be the most eye-catching, but they reflect his growing importance within the squad.

He has seamlessly transitioned from a promising player at Barça Atletic to a dependable option in the first team. His ability to read the game and adjust his role based on the team’s needs has impressed Flick, who has shown great faith in the young Spaniard.

There is more to Casado

Marc Casado has repaid Hansi Flick’s faith. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

One of Casado’s key attributes is his versatility. He excels in understanding when to drop deep and assist in defensive duties, pressing the opposition, and winning back possession.

Equally, he knows when to push forward and contribute to the attack, often linking up well with his teammates in the final third. He may not be as creative as de Jong, but he makes up for it with his excessive work.

Comparisons between Casado and Frenkie de Jong may seem premature, given de Jong’s established reputation at Barcelona. However, Casado’s rapid development cannot be ignored.

De Jong, who recently returned to action for the first time since April, will undoubtedly return to the squad once fully fit. But Casado’s performances have made it clear that he is not just a temporary solution.

Instead, he could provide serious competition for de Jong’s spot in the starting lineup. In some ways, his playing style complements that of de Jong, but his unique strengths may offer Barcelona something different.

In the long run, it remains to be seen how Flick will balance the midfield options when everyone is fit. Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Bernal are all key players for Barcelona, but Casado’s emergence provides Flick with a welcome selection headache.

Casado’s ability to step up when needed, coupled with his consistent performances, suggests that he could be a long-term solution for the club’s midfield.