"We already knew he was very good" - Lionel Messi's teammate heaps praise on 21-year-old Barcelona star flying under Hansi Flick
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets has heaped praise on 21-year-old Barcelona talent Marc Casado. The midfielder has impressed massively under manager Hansi Flick, breaking into the first team fully.
Last season under Xavi, Casado partook in some first-team games, playing 22 minutes in two Champions League matches and 13 minutes in two La Liga matches. However, Flick has given the youngster more minutes and more responsibilities, and this season, he has played 15 games across all competitions.
His quality on the ball in defensive midfield for Barcelona has impressed Sergio Busquets, who notably controlled that position for over 10 years. In an interview on Cadena Cope, the legendary defensive midfielder shared his thoughts on Casado, saying (via Tribal Football):
"He surprised us a lot. We already knew he was very good because I knew him from training and from my last year at Barca. Casado is playing at a superlative, spectacular level, moving the team and also giving assists."
Indeed, Marc Casado has started 13 out of those 15 games, making five assists. Sergio Busquets also spoke about how Barcelona have performed under Flick, adding:
"They are playing very attractively and very quickly. It's a somewhat different style."
The Blaugrana have enjoyed new-found form, losing just three games in all competitions this season. They currently sit at the top of the LaLiga table, and they are one of the strong favorites to get into the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Barcelona sporting director plays down talented winger's comparisons to Lionel Messi
Barcelona sporting director Deco has played down comparisons between talented winger Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi. Indeed, Marc Casado isn't the only player out of La Masia who has taken to life in the first team brilliantly, with Yamal also shining admirably.
The teenager has already won the Kopa Trophy 2024 (awarded to the best u-21 player), having helped Spain win Euro 2024 earlier this year. However, Deco refused to compare him to Lionel Messi, telling Mundo Deportivo (via GOAL):
"In the end, everyone has their own story, there is no comparison. But I understand that at Barca players are compared, football is always like that. What can't be done? It will be done. What shouldn't be compared? There will be comparisons. We can't say things because in the end it's football, it's emotion, it's passion, it's normal for people to talk, to compare, to remember...
"But Lamine is unique, it's his life, he has his life story and the only thing he has is the coincidence of being in the same club as Leo and of being precocious in his appearance although in different situations."
This season, Lamine Yamal has already scored six goals and provided eight assists in 16 games. The 17-year-old will look to continue the rest of the season with a series of brilliant performances as the comparisons with Lionel Messi continue to build.