In numbers – The stark decline in Barcelona midfielder’s prominence from last season to this | OneFootball

Marc Casado was one of the breakout stars of the season for FC Barcelona in the 2024/25 season. From almost leaving the club, the La Masia midfielder became a key part of Hansi Flick’s setup and played his role in the domestic treble success.

Things, however, have gotten difficult for the young midfielder in the ongoing campaign, with there being a sharp decline in his involvement and importance in the squad.

No longer a regular for Flick

Indeed, as highlighted by AS, the comparison between the minutes Casado played in the first part of the 2024-25 campaign and what he has played since August 2025 clearly reflects his loss of prominence.

From the start of last season until December 2024, he played 1,727 minutes out of a possible 2,250, meaning he was involved in 76% of the minutes the team had played in the first half of the previous season.

This season, Casado barely reaches 36.3%, having played only 768 minutes out of a total of 2,160. That 40% drop in involvement offers a clear snapshot of Casado’s current situation. He knows that he is among Hansi Flick’s last options.

Beyond Pedri or Frenkie de Jong, who are untouchable players, the Barcelona coach has clearly preferred Eric Garcia as a holding midfielder, seeing him as a more stable option.

Fighting for relevance. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As soon as he regained some physical sharpness, Marc Bernal also moved ahead of him in the pecking order. And, once Gavi returns from injury, Casado will fall behind him as well.

Flick values Casado’s physical work rate, intensity and commitment, but believes that at times those same qualities work against him. He tries to cover too much ground and loses his position.

In recent matches, influenced by the absence of right-backs, Flick has tested Casado in a position that is not entirely unfamiliar to the player, and he may feature more in the role moving forward in 2026.

Dilemma for Casado

With a contract until 2028, Casado will be the one to decide his future. Flick blocked the possibility of a departure last summer, while the player himself had no intentions of leaving, even though there were approaches from the Premier League.

But, given his current situation, the 22-year-old ace faces a classic but interesting dilemma – stay and fight for a place or explore other avenues.

He could go to many clubs, but at none would he likely enjoy the level of comfort he has at Barcelona: the club of his life.