Barcelona’s 1-2 defeat to Las Palmas highlighted a number of weaknesses within the staff’s efficiency, with one of many key points being Hansi Flick’s dependence on Marc Casado.
Whereas Lamine Yamal’s absence has been the principle speaking level in latest weeks, it turned clear through the loss to Las Palmas that the staff additionally missed a dependable defensive pivot—one thing Casado has more and more change into.
In the beginning of the season, Casado was seen primarily as an inside midfielder, however over the weeks, he has advanced into a vital structural determine for the staff.
Casado has grown
His position has grown from a assist participant to a key defensive presence within the midfield. Within the first league defeat to Osasuna, Casado was one of many starters who was rested, and his absence was instantly felt.
Whereas he performed the complete 90 minutes in opposition to Actual Betis, his efforts couldn’t stop the Blaugrana from dropping, however his character and dedication stood out regardless of the staff’s general poor efficiency.
Marc Casado was missed in opposition to Las Palmas. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
Probably the most noticeable influence of Casado’s absence got here within the closing moments of the match in opposition to Celta Vigo.
He was despatched off for the primary time in his Barcelona profession after receiving two yellow playing cards, leaving the staff to complete the match with out his stabilising affect in midfield.
His affect is seen
When Casado returned alongside Pedri and Dani Olmo in opposition to Brest, the staff’s efficiency improved considerably, resulting in a dominant 3-0 victory. Nonetheless, this momentum didn’t carry over into the Las Palmas recreation.
In his absence, Gavi stepped in to fill the position. Though Gavi introduced vitality and dedication to the match, he couldn’t replicate the identical affect or steadiness in midfield that Casado usually supplies.
Casado brings a mixture of physicality, imaginative and prescient with the ball, positional self-discipline, and distinctive passing high quality. His capacity to make exact passes and create vertical assists is a key asset for the staff.
The lesson from latest video games is evident: for Barcelona to succeed, they want Casado to play a central position, and in opposition to Mallorca, he, alongside along with his teammates, will likely be important to get the staff again on observe.