Marc Casado of FC Barcelona
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
After resisting multiple offers from top European clubs last summer to stay at Barcelona last summer, Marc Casado has found himself in a curious situation.
The youngster is certainly not a first-team regular for Barcelona anymore, having started in only six matches in the league so far this season.
With Frenkie de Jong and Pedri still being crucial components to Hansi Flick’s team setup, it is unlikely Casado will become a regular anytime soon, either, barring an unexpected injury.
However, in a unique twist of fate, it appears Hansi Flick is ready to assign a new role for Casado, who is currently the main backup for De Jong and Pedri in midfield.
According to MARCA, Flick may rely on Casado to operate in the right-back position until the end of the season.
Marc Casado, Barcelona player
Casado impressed as a right-back against Guadalajara. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
That is largely due to a lack of an alternative to Jules Kounde, especially after the Barcelona manager moved Eric Garcia back into a central defensive role.
Casado, therefore, may serve as the number one alternative for Kounde in the right-back position. This, in turn, could increase the midfielder’s game time heading into the second half of the season.
Casado recently played in the right-back position in the midweek Copa Del Rey game against CD Guadalajara, making a solid impression with his performance.
Although performing well against a lower-tier club is not necessarily a solid indicator, it was proof that Casado can indeed operate as a right-back if needed.
This is healthy for Barcelona overall, as the team continues to showcase its versatility under the leadership of Flick. This versatility could come in handy during the second half of the season, especially if injury woes come roaring back.
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