Marc Casado switches role to stay relevant in Hansi Flick's Barcelona squad

The 22-year-old had been an important figure for Barcelona when Frenkie de Jong was absent, but his involvement has reduced sharply this season. Casado featured regularly before suffering a knee injury in March last year, having played 29 of Barcelona's 36 matches at that stage. 

This campaign, he has appeared 13 times in all competitions, starting nine, while being asked to operate in several different positions.

His latest adaptation came in Barcelona's Copa del Rey opener against Guadalajara, where Casado started at right-back. "I have always tried to be ready for the team," Casado said, underlining his willingness to help wherever he was needed.

The role was not unfamiliar. During the 2023-24 season with Barca Atletic under Rafa Marquez, Barcelona's reserves had already used Casado at right-back on occasion, despite him being developed primarily as a central midfielder. That flexibility has become vital as Barcelona's midfield options have expanded, with De Jong back available, Marc Bernal returning, and Eric Garcia continuing to show his value in both defence and midfield.

Barcelona's midfield depth has limited Casado's chances to start regularly. Even during periods when De Jong was suspended and Pedri was injured, Flick often turned to other options, which fuelled talk last month of a possible January loan. Mallorca have shown interest, although Casado has reportedly been selective, focusing on a move that would guarantee minutes and suit his playing style if he left temporarily.

Against Guadalajara, Casado's performance offered encouragement. He completed 69 of 71 passes, won four duels and made five recoveries, while also contributing going forward from the right. With Jules Kounde established at right-back and Eric Garcia rotating, Casado's reinvention could yet prove decisive in keeping him firmly in Barcelona's first-team plans.