Barcelona midfield gem recalls his reaction to being called up to the Spain senior squad | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have had an incredible start to the new season under Hansi Flick. They have lost just two out of 13 games that they have played in the league so far and many players have impressed under Hansi Flick, becoming mainstays of the team.

One player who has arrived out of nowhere and emerged as a star for the first team is Marc Casado. The ex-Barca Atletic captain has had a transformative effect on the tactical setup, emerging as the long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Initially, it looked like Marc Bernal would be the choice for the German coach to play the pivot role going forward. However, the unfortunate ACL injury that the 17-year-old suffered opened the window for Casado and boy, hasn’t he taken it with both hands!

Such has been Casado’s performances so far this season that in the absence of Rodri, in the Spain national team, Luis de la Fuente has handed the 21-year-old a call-up. As quoted by SPORT, the midfielder has recalled his reaction after learning his selection for the squad from Luis de la Fuente. He said:

“I was very happy. The first thing I did was call my parents. I hope there can be many players from Barça on the national team because right now we are all performing very well.”

Casado also spoke about the reception he got in the Spain national team. He spoke about the prospect of being pranked and here is what he had to say:

“The national team’s locker room has welcomed me very well. There is a very good atmosphere. They haven’t pranked me yet, but they’ve warned me that I might have to sing or dance, which I dread.”

This is now just the beginning for Marc Casado in his long career ahead. He has just taken the first baby steps and where he goes from here would be determined by his own hard work and how much he is willing to learn and improve.

The fact that Casado has managed to retain his place in the starting XI even after the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi have returned is a testament to his quality. He has become undroppable for Hansi Flick, for the time being.

It remains to be seen if the 21-year-old is handed his first senior Spain cap by Luis de la Fuente. You would expect it to happen in one of the two games and let’s wait and see if Casado can carry his club form into the international team.