Report reveals the role Xavi played in 21-year-old Barcelona midfielder’s development | OneFootball

Among the FC Barcelona youth players who have taken significant steps forward in their careers this 2024-25 season, the case of midfielder Marc Casadó stands out. He has been a key part of Hansi Flick’s team since the season began, especially as the German tactician was without several of his other important players during the opening weeks.

But unlike other youngsters like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal, who have all put in very good performances with the first team at a very young age, Casado has needed more time to get to the first team, as he is already 21 years of age.

Mundo Deportivo has provided a brief outline of how his professional career has gone at Barcelona. Casadó’s association with the first team began under Xavi Hernandez, as the midfielder was first called up for a friendly game against Olot in Xavi’s first pre-season for the 2022-23 season.

Although he played as a right-back in that game, the former Barcelona coach liked his performance, and also took him for the tour of the United States of America.

However, Xavi wanted to take a gradual approach with him as he wanted him to mature before taking on more first-team duties. Thus, although he was called up 27 times by the former Barcelona trainer, he played only in 4 games, two in UCL and two in La Liga, totaling only 35 minutes.

Still, the relationship between the midfielder and the coach remained excellent, especially as Xavi always explained the situation to him, and Casado accepted his role. He also had some offers and considered leaving, but Xavi convinced him to stay, as he saw him ready to be a first-team player for this season. Ultimately, Xavi left the club at the end of the last season.

But the player reached his best level under Xavi’s successor, Hansi Flick. The German initially chose Marc Bernal as his starting pivot, given limited reinforcements from the market, but Bernal’s injury opened the door for Casado to showcase his talents. The midfielder seized this opportunity and has now emerged as a key cog in Hansi Flick’s system.