Barcelona achieved a heroic victory against Benfica, but not every player was at their best following the match. While the result was positive, Hansi Flick identified several areas that require improvement.
One player who underperformed was Marc Casado, a young talent who had previously been one of the season’s standout discoveries. However, in Lisbon, Casado’s display fell short, raising concerns among the coaching staff.
Despite the faith Flick had shown in him throughout the campaign, Casado struggled with frequent ball losses and inaccurate passing during the match. These errors disrupted Barcelona’s defensive stability and raised doubts about his role in the starting lineup moving forward.
Reports from Spanish outlet El Nacional highlighted the pivotal moment when Frenkie de Jong was substituted into the game. The Dutchman’s introduction brought a noticeable improvement in midfield cohesion, distribution, and passing accuracy.
This immediate impact marked the beginning of Barcelona’s comeback, underscoring De Jong’s value to the team. As a result, the club is now seriously considering restoring De Jong to the starting XI, potentially at Casado’s expense.
Flick’s preference for De Jong is not new. In a recent La Liga match against Getafe, the coach made the bold decision to replace Casado in the first half with De Jong, who significantly influenced the game in the second half. Following his exceptional performance against Benfica, it seems increasingly likely that De Jong will reclaim a permanent spot in the starting lineup.
For De Jong, this resurgence comes after a challenging season marred by uncertainties about his future at Barcelona. However, his recent form could prompt Flick to make him a key player during the crucial stages of the campaign, giving the midfielder a renewed sense of optimism.
Meanwhile, Casado, despite demonstrating his potential on numerous occasions, faces the task of regaining Flick’s trust. Matches like the one in Lisbon have exposed areas in his game that need refinement, particularly his decision-making under pressure. While his rise has been swift, setbacks like these remind both player and coach of the importance of continued development.
Ultimately, Barcelona’s win over Benfica showcased the team’s resilience, but it also highlighted individual challenges. As the season progresses, the competition for starting spots is set to intensify, particularly in midfield.
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