Marc Casado’s rapid rise to prominence has been one of the highlights for not only Barcelona but for Spanish football this season.
The young midfielder has seamlessly stepped into the first team and is now a key component in Hansi Flick’s midfield setup, alongside Pedri.
The player’s rapid breakthrough has been rewarded with a call-up to the Spain national team as well, with the midfielder notably making his debut recently.
Have Barça found their Busquets replacement?
Casado has not been flashy by any means. But his influence in the middle of the park cannot be denied, which does pose the question: Have Barcelona found their replacement for Busquets?
Casado’s journey, after all, mirrors that of Busquets in more ways than one. He has risen through the ranks without the fanfare of a highly-touted prodigy. It was under the watchful eye of coach Flick that Casado’s potential was recognized and nurtured.
Marc Casado has been phenomenal this season (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Like Busquets, Casado excels in dictating the tempo of the game, recycling possession, and providing crucial defensive cover.
His ability to read the game and anticipate the opponent’s moves has been instrumental in Barcelona’s recent successes.
The impact of Casado’s performances cannot be understated either. His presence in the midfield has allowed Barcelona to maintain their high-pressing style of play under Flick.
As the club continues to evolve, Casado will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping Barcelona’s future. It would, therefore, perhaps be fair to say that Casado has definitively closed the club’s long search to find an ideal replacement for Busquets.
The Catalans have long been known for producing world-class midfielders, and Casado appears to be the next in line.