Barcelona youngster Marc Casadó continued to prove himself all-but undroppable with his performance against Espanyol on Sunday.
Barca, of course, marked their return to action a short time ago, locking horns with neighbours Espanyol in the season’s first edition of The Derbi Barceloní.
When all was said and done, Hansi Flick’s troops emerged comfortable victors, owing to first-half goals on the part of Dani Olmo (2), and Raphinha.
And yet, whilst it will be the Blaugrana’s attacking stars who take the majority of the plaudits once more post-match, the contributions of the aforementioned Marc Casadó should not be overlooked.
Youngster Casadó was afforded his latest start against Espanyol, joining Pedri to form the base of boss Flick’s midfield.
And, as has proven the case game after game over recent weeks, the 21-year-old went on to dazzle.
Casadó proved himself a consistent source of excellence on both sides of the ball, neat and tidy in possession, and full of bite and vigour when defending.
Not only that, but the Spaniard capped his display with a third assist in as many games, laying on Raphinha courtesy of a pinpoint defence-splitting pass.
At the start of the season considered something of an outsider in the first-team picture in Catalunya, Casadó is beginning to establish himself as all but immovable in Barca’s engine room.
And as much may well prove a tough pill to swallow for teammate Frenkie de Jong.
After being repeatedly talked up by manager Hansi Flick, De Jong was expected to slot straight back into the Blaugrana’s XI, upon recovering full fitness.
Now back fully fit and firing, and with an excellent 45 minutes against Real Madrid last time out under his belt, however, the Dutch international still has not managed to shift Casadó from his starting role.
And, if today’s evidence is anything to go by, De Jong will do well to manage as much any time soon…
Conor Laird – GSFN
