Hansi Flick’s ambitious new squad plans for the rest of the season have brutally sidelined one of the key Barcelona stars.
Once a regular starter who played a crucial role in the midfield, this player has seen his influence dramatically diminish, raising questions about his future in the side.
Injuries to other key midfielders and the gradual return of players from fitness setbacks opened what seemed to be a clear path for him to establish himself further this season.
However, new tactical preferences and strategic adjustments from Flick have shifted the balance, leaving this once-prominent figure struggling to secure regular playing time.
The player in question is Marc Casado, who emerged from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy as a breakthrough star in the 2024/25 season, as reported by Diario Sport.
Last season, Casado cemented his place as a midfield mainstay, clocking up 2447 minutes over 36 games across all competitions with notable contributions including a goal and six assists.
However, the current season tells a different story.
Casado has only managed 591 minutes across 13 appearances, starting just seven games and rarely completing full matches, often being taken off early or remaining unused on the bench.
Flick’s recent matches indicate a clear shift in preference, with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo being favored ahead of Casado in the midfield roles.
Even during suspensions or injuries to other players like Gavi and Pedri, Casado failed to reclaim a regular spot.
For instance, in the defeat at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, he didn’t feature at all while Eric Garcia was deployed in midfield, and later matches saw Dani Olmo occupy his usual role alongside key midfielders like Frenkie de Jong.
As Barcelona navigates a packed schedule and aims to compete at the highest levels, Casado’s position appears increasingly uncertain.
This development is a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of elite football, where past success does not guarantee a permanent place and adaptability is key to survival.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
