Barcelona secured a heroic victory over Benfica, but not everyone was in top form after the match. Despite the positive result, Hansi Flick noticed several aspects that need improvement, and one of the players who did not perform as expected was Marc Casado. The young player, who had been one of the standout discoveries of the season, was not at his best in Lisbon, raising questions within the coaching staff.
Despite the trust Flick had placed in him throughout the season, Casado’s performance against Benfica was marked by frequent ball losses and unusually inaccurate passing. His errors in ball distribution hurt Barcelona’s defense on several occasions, casting doubt on his continued place in the starting lineup.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” the turning point in the match came when Frenkie de Jong was introduced. As soon as the Dutchman entered, the team gained better harmony and control in distribution and passing in midfield. The difference was clear, and Barcelona’s comeback began immediately after De Jong took charge. This shift in style of play has led the club to seriously consider reinstating De Jong in the starting lineup at the expense of Casado.
This is not the first time Flick has shown a preference for the Dutch player. In the last La Liga match against Getafe, the German coach made the important decision to substitute Casado in the first half to bring on De Jong, who made a significant impact in the second half. With his outstanding performance against Benfica, it now seems likely that De Jong will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup permanently.
De Jong’s camp is feeling optimistic about this new opportunity, especially after the player endured a difficult period this season due to uncertainties surrounding his future at the club. However, his recent performances may prompt Flick to reconsider his role and make him one of the key players for the decisive phase of the season.
On the other hand, Marc Casado, who has proven his worth on several occasions, will need to work hard to regain the coach’s confidence. Despite his rapid rise, matches like the one in Lisbon have shown that he still has areas to improve, particularly when it comes to decision-making under pressure.