Barcelona find a hero who is neither Kimmich nor Kanté against Valencia | OneFootball

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FC Barcelona have kicked things off in their new season in the best possible way that they could have. Against Valencia at the Mestalla, in what is one of La Liga’s toughest away fixtures, La Blaugrana managed to get all three points. Despite going a goal down, Barcelona showed heart and character by making a comeback.

Many fingers will point towards Polish ace Robert Lewandowski as being the hero of the game, and rightfully so. The star striker for FC Barcelona ended up scoring a brace that was both composed and timely in terms of Barça’s vulnerable position in the game. However, there was perhaps another name that deserved a lot of credit.

Marc Casado, aged just 20, was one of Barça’s big bets for this summer when they renewed his contract. However, they could not have imagined in their wildest dreams that the impact from the former Barcelona Atletic captain would have been as noticeable as it was.

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Casado’s performance and display was so immense that it has allowed Barcelona to find a defensive midfield hero who makes them forget the possibilities of having signed Joshua Kimmich or N’golo Kante. Not just because his impact is more than solid, but also for the fact that his impact is stylistically similar.

Throughout the game, Casado was everywhere across the pitch. From going deep into the trenches to fulfil his defensive duties, to even making forward runs that could have led to him scoring a goal or two, the youngster was undeniably vigilante.

Statistically, the 20-year-old La Masia gem successfully completed 52 of his 62 attempted passes with a 84% success rate, also won 7 duels throughout the match which was the most by any player, created two chances for his teammates, and also completed all five of his attempted long balls.

He also attempted four tackles, made two clearances, and also made three recoveries that allowed Barcelona to transition smoothly. Moreover, his seemingly limitless stamina allowed him to cover for his teammates at every possibly Valencia counterattack. Whenever Alejandro Balde was out of position, Casado was the first to track back and cover for him, and that is just one of the few examples.

With more players returning from injury, the most recent being Pedri, it is unclear what kind of a role Marc Casado will continue to play. However, if there is one certainty, it is that both Casado and Marc Bernal do form a very reliable partnership in the heart of Hansi Flick’s team.