Barcelona achieved a dramatic victory over Benfica, but not all players were at their best following the match. Despite the positive result, Hansi Flick noted several areas that needed improvement, and one player who didn’t meet expectations was Marc Casado. The young talent, who had been one of the season’s standout performers, struggled in Lisbon, raising concerns among the coaching staff.
Despite Flick’s trust in him this season, Casado’s performance against Benfica was marked by frequent ball losses and inaccurate passing. His mistakes in distribution put Barcelona’s defense at risk several times, leading to questions about his place in the starting lineup.
According to El Nacional, the turning point in the match came when Frenkie de Jong was substituted in. The Dutch midfielder’s arrival brought better control in midfield, with improved passing and distribution. This shift led to Barcelona’s comeback, prompting the club to seriously consider reinstating De Jong in the starting lineup over Casado.
This isn’t the first time Flick has favored the Dutch player. In their previous La Liga match against Getafe, Flick made the important decision to substitute Casado in the first half for De Jong, who had a noticeable impact in the second half. Given De Jong’s strong performance against Benfica, it now seems likely he’ll regain his starting spot.
De Jong’s camp is optimistic about this new opportunity, especially after enduring a difficult period earlier in the season due to uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. His recent performances could lead Flick to make him a key figure in the decisive phase of the season.
Meanwhile, Marc Casado, who has shown his worth in several matches, will need to prove himself once more to regain the coach’s confidence. Despite his rapid rise, games like the one in Lisbon have highlighted areas for improvement, particularly his decision-making under pressure.
