Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
A number of months in the past, predicting Barcelona’s beginning line-up was an easy activity, as one identify was assured—Marc Casado.
The younger midfielder was the standout performer in Hansi Flick’s system, changing into a necessary determine within the centre of the pitch. His rise to prominence got here at a vital time when Barcelona have been unable to herald new signings.
So with restricted choices accessible, Flick positioned his belief in Casado, and the teen made the a lot of the alternative, delivering high-level performances within the first half of the season.
Impressed every person
Casado’s shows have been spectacular, prompting many to surprise why he had not been given extra probabilities below Xavi.
Marc Casado has misplaced his place at Barcelona. (Photograph by Eric Alonso/Getty Pictures)
Flick’s admiration for the midfielder was evident from the beginning. Casado introduced physicality, stability, defensive self-discipline, and high-pressing depth to the workforce.
On high of that, he contributed in assault, even offering an help within the high-stakes conflict in opposition to Actual Madrid.
His constant performances didn’t go unnoticed by the Spanish nationwide workforce, with Luis de la Fuente rewarding him with a call-up to the senior squad.
At that time, every thing gave the impression to be moving into the fitting course for the gifted teen.
The breakup
Sadly, in latest weeks, Casado’s standing within the workforce has considerably modified. Flick, who as soon as closely relied on him, seems to have shifted his preferences.
Casasdo is now struggling to begin a recreation. (Photograph by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Pictures)
Frenkie de Jong, who had confronted a dip in type earlier, has regained his rhythm and confidence, benefiting from the German supervisor’s assist. The Dutchman’s performances have steadily improved, making him a key determine in Barcelona’s midfield.
Flick has at all times been an enormous admirer of the Dutchman, and it’s now evident that he values his skill to regulate the sport and dictate the tempo. In consequence, Casado’s involvement has been considerably decreased.
A have a look at the numbers
Originally of the season, Casado was virtually untouchable in Flick’s plans, taking part in 15 consecutive full matches. Now, his position has diminished drastically.
In opposition to Rayo Vallecano, he was substituted as soon as once more, marking the fourth time within the final 5 matches the place he has acquired restricted taking part in time.
On this interval, he has solely collected a complete of 84 minutes on the pitch. His most notable absence got here in opposition to Alaves, however even within the Rayo match, he was solely introduced on in stoppage time to assist see out the sport.
Frenkie de Jong is forward of Casado. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)
February has been a very difficult month for him, even supposing he performed a vital position in each Spanish Tremendous Cup matches in opposition to Athletic Membership and Actual Madrid.
A mountain to climb
With probably the most decisive part of the season approaching, the place Barcelona shall be competing for a number of trophies, Casado faces a tricky problem. He should work his manner again into Flick’s plans and show that he deserves extra taking part in time.
Whereas De Jong has secured his place within the workforce, Flick has proven prior to now that he doesn’t favour any participant unconditionally. If he notices a dip in De Jong’s efficiency, he won’t hesitate to make adjustments.
For Casado, the mission is evident—he should impress Flick as soon as once more and reclaim his spot within the workforce.
His earlier shows proved that he has the standard to make a distinction and now, it’s as much as him to indicate the identical dedication and dedication that originally earned him Flick’s belief.
