Anna 
In a season dominated by attacking headlines, 20-year-old Marc Casado has quietly become one of Barcelona’s standout performers. The young midfielder, in his first full season at the elite level, has made a significant impact under manager Hansi Flick, stepping up amid injuries and departures that disrupted the Blaugrana midfield earlier in the campaign.
Casado’s consistent performances have not gone unnoticed. According to the CIES Football Observatory, he is currently the second-best under-23 midfielder in the world based on the best ground defence index. With an impressive rating of 84.5 out of 100, he trails only Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz.
This achievement places Casado ahead of some of the most highly regarded young talents in football, including Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, PSG’s João Neves, and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga. His rise to prominence is no surprise, given his pivotal role in Barcelona’s midfield this season. Casado has featured in 31 matches across all competitions, accumulating 2,180 minutes of playtime and establishing himself as a key figure in the squad.
Challenges Ahead for Casado
Despite his success, Casado faces a critical challenge as he looks to maintain his place in the team. Star midfielder Frenkie de Jong has recently regained his form, earning back the trust of coach Hansi Flick with a series of strong performances. This development could see Casado competing for playing time in the coming weeks.
However, Casado’s future remains promising. Several factors could work in his favor, including ongoing uncertainty surrounding de Jong’s contract extension talks, which are set to take place later in the season. If de Jong’s future at the club remains unresolved, Casado could have an opportunity to reclaim his role as the team’s primary defensive midfielder.
For now, Casado’s focus will be on proving his worth to Flick and solidifying his place in Barcelona’s long-term plans. His rise this season has been a bright spot for the club, and his continued development could be crucial as Barcelona looks to rebuild and compete at the highest level.