Hansi Flick’s four midfield options to replace suspended Marc Casadó in Barcelona vs Las Palmas

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·28. November 2024

Hansi Flick’s four midfield options to replace suspended Marc Casadó in Barcelona vs Las Palmas

After securing a morale-boosting victory against Brest in the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona will aim to carry their momentum into Saturday’s La Liga clash with Las Palmas. However, Hansi Flick faces a significant selection headache as his side will be without key defensive midfielder Marc Casadó.

The 21-year-old, who has become a vital cog in Catalan’s midfield this season, is suspended for the clash following a red card against Celta Vigo.

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Casadó’s absence compounds Flick’s challenges, with no natural midfield pivots available in the squad. Marc Bernal remains sidelined with a long-term injury, forcing Flick to explore alternative solutions.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Four Options to Replace Marc Casadó

According to SPORT, the Barcelona coach has four potential replacements in mind to fill the void left by Casadó. Each option comes with its own risks and rewards:

Eric GarcíaGarcía, naturally a center-back, has previously filled the pivot role. While he was back on the bench for the Brest game, the 22-year-old hasn’t featured since October 6, making his inclusion a gamble in such a crucial fixture.
Frenkie de JongThe Dutchman is a seasoned defensive midfielder and recently returned from injury. However, his game time has been limited since the match against Red Star Belgrade, and his reception from fans during the Brest game—where he faced boos—may affect Flick’s decision to start him.
GaviA fan favorite, Gavi’s relentless energy and work rate make him a tempting choice. Flick prefers the youngster in a more advanced role, but Gavi’s versatility could see him deployed deeper. After starting against Celta Vigo and coming off the bench against Brest, the midfielder should be ready for a full 90 minutes.
PedriFacing his former club, Pedri offers technical brilliance and improved physicality this season. Fielding him as a primary defensive midfielder in Hansi Flick’s double-pivot system could enhance Barcelona’s ball progression, but it would also demand significant positional discipline from the playmaker.

Flick’s Tactical Conundrum

The absence of a natural pivot presents Flick with a tactical puzzle, but he has multiple avenues to explore. Each decision carries implications for how Barcelona will set up against a Las Palmas side known for their discipline and ability to frustrate top teams.

All eyes will be on the German tactician as he seeks to balance creativity and control in Barcelona’s midfield on Saturday. It remains to be seen if Flick finds the right formula to overcome Casadó’s absence and secure a vital three points in La Liga.