“Whenever I feel any problem, I always give him the ball” - Marc Casado hails ‘world-class’ Barcelona teammate
Barcelona youngster Marc Casado has praised teammate Pedri. After Barca's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, December 11, Casado insisted Pedri's quality on the ball was a huge reassuring factor for him.
He said (via press conference):
“Pedri is a world-class player. Whenever I feel any problem, I always give him the ball. Playing with him is a guarantee.”
The pair formed a solid base in midfield, playing as the double pivot behind Dani Olmo. Pedri put in an energetic shift and was involved both on and off the ball, finishing the game with 12 passes into the final third, two accurate long balls, three tackles, and four duels won.
Budding star Casado also put in a decent shift in the game. He was tidy with his passing, completing 88% of his passes (52/59), and had five passes into the final third and two chances created.
Following a silent first half, the game exploded in the second period. Raphinha opened the scoring for Barcelona (52') before Serhou Guirassy (60') leveled things up from the spot. Ferran Torres restored Barca's advantage (75'), only for Guirassy to pull them back again within three minutes. However, Torres and La Blaugrana had the last laugh, finding the winner in the 85th minute.
Barca are second in the Champions League with 15 points from six games. Dortmund, meanwhile, are ninth with 12 points from six matches.
Barcelona looking to offer two players in exchange for Chelsea star: Reports
Barcelona are willing to offer Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres to entice Chelsea in a deal for midfielder Enzo Fernandez. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, La Blaugrana are looking to reduce the high asking price by offering the two players.
Fernandez has been impressive this season under new manager Enzo Maresca for Chelsea. After a difficult previous campaign ending with a hernia surgery and a mediocre start to 2024-25, he has exploded into form. The Argentine has collected three goals and six assists in his last six games and has been a vital source of creativity for the high-flying Blues.
The 23-year-old World Cup winner has emerged as a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to the report. For the Catalan giants, Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres have failed to impress and thus getting rid of them for Fernandez could be a fruitful move.