It has become a tradition in Barcelona to put trust in some of the academy’s brightest stars every year. Ansu Fati, Gavi, Nico Gonzalez, and Alejandro Balde are some of the recent beneficiaries of the same practice.
This time around, Lamine Yamal appears set to steal the spotlight as the latest revelation. Yet, the administration equally believe in the likes of Fermin Lopez and Marc Casado to come good.
A 20-year-old wonder
According to SPORT, Casado was one of Xavi Hernandez’s first-choice academy players to bet on for the coming season.
Rightly so, he is now part of the first team and has become a regular member of the squad list.
The report goes on to add that the manager’s trust in the youngster is complete. He especially values Casado’s good reading on the game situation. His chance will certainly come in the near future.
A promising pivot option
Sergio Busquets’ departure from Barcelona set the alarm bells ringing in the club administration. After all, the Azulgranas had still not solved the puzzle of finding an able replacement.
Orio Romeu eventually signed for Barcelona in the summer and has taken over as the first-choice defensive midfielder. His performances, so far, have been impeccable.
Casado’s role in the squad currently is to serve as Romeu’s deputy. Barcelona see the 20-year-old to be one of the brightest young defensive midfielders, and Xavi hopes to rotate him with the veteran as the season progresses.
The 20-year-old Barça Atletic captain’s contract in Catalonia runs out in the summer of 2024, and the club are understood to be keen on tying him down with a new deal.
Nevertheless, he is still a player of the subsidiary team and can drop down to help Rafa Marquez’s side and get regular game time if need be.
