One up-and-coming member of the midfield ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona proved himself an on-pitch leader once more in the club’s meeting with Monaco on Thursday.
Barca, of course, are fresh off an altogether disappointing night’s work.
After making the trip to France for the club’s Champions League opener against the aforementioned Monaco, Hansi Flick’s troops were ultimately put to the sword by two goals to one.
Their eventual defeat was set in motion inside the opening ten minutes at the Stade Louis II, when Marc-André ter Stegen’s poor pass into midfield was intercepted, culminating in Eric García being dismissed for a last-man challenge.
And yet, on an otherwise underwhelming evening for all associated with Barcelona, some positives, too, were forthcoming.
The most obvious was the display of Lamine Yamal, who, with his side a man down, took the game by the scruff of the neck, to drag the Blaugrana level courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance.
But Lamine was not the only one…
In the middle of the park, after pivot partner Eric had been sent for an early bath, Marc Casadó came to the fore once more.
After acting as captain for Barca Atlètic last season, the 21-year-old showcased all of the leadership qualities he now has in his locker, taking the midfield responsibility on his young shoulders, to shine on both sides of the ball.
As per a report from Diario Sport, Casadó, over the 90 minutes, ran just shy of 12km, more than any of his teammates.
Not only that, but the Spaniard attempted the most passes of any Barcelona player, completing 88%, including the decisive lofted ball for Lamine’s goal.
And, on the defensive side, Casadó’s five ball recoveries represented more than were managed by any other member of Hansi Flick’s squad, too.
On an otherwise disappointing night for Barca on Thursday, the performance of the club’s engine room gem represented one reason to smile.
Conor Laird – GSFN
