Marc Casado has been one of Barcelona’s biggest surprises this season, with his impressive performances and ability to dominate the midfield, earning him a permanent place in Hansi Flick’s starting lineup.
In Barcelona’s resounding 4-1 win over Bayern Munich on matchday three of the Champions League, Casado once again demonstrated why he is a key piece in the German coach’s scheme. His vision of the game, ability to distribute the ball, and tireless defensive work have made him an indispensable player for the team.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Casado’s historic performance against Bayern has put Frenkie de Jong in a difficult position, as the Dutchman, who was once one of the club’s major bets, has not shown a strong start this season.
Hansi Flick spoke about Casado after the match, saying: “Casado is amazing. If you see him playing now and consider where he has come from, the level he has reached, and how he has improved enormously.”
He added: “He is very good in defense and also when he has the ball at his feet. He’s a product of La Masia, and I don’t need to say anything else.”
Ongoing physical problems have kept De Jong out of the squad at crucial moments, and it’s increasingly clear that he’s struggling to compete with the academy product for his place in midfield.
De Jong’s inconsistency contrasts sharply with Casado’s impressive form, which has convinced not only Flick but also the fans and the board.
In this context, voices within the club have begun to suggest that De Jong’s departure could be the best option for all parties, as Casado has become the best in his position at Barcelona.
With Casado’s rise and the depth of the squad, some believe that Barcelona can afford to let De Jong go without affecting the team’s performances.
This is where Deco, the club’s sporting director, comes in, as he has already begun scouting the market for potential buyers for the Dutchman.