Marc Casado’s meteoric rise this season has been one of the most exciting developments for Barcelona, with the young midfielder emerging as a key figure in Hansi Flick’s squad. A major advocate for Casado’s talent has been Rafa Marquez, the former coach of Barça Atletic, who worked closely with the 20-year-old during his time at the club.
Marquez, who is now an assistant coach for the Mexican national team, recently appeared on the show Que Thi Jugues. Where he shared his thoughts on Casado’s breakthrough and the pivotal role Flick has played in his development.
Rafa Marquez Praises Flick for Nurturing Casado’s Talent
Marquez expressed his joy over Casado’s rapid progression, noting that the midfielder’s success has been a result of both his mentality and Flick’s trust. “I’m very happy for him. I’ve seen how he’s progressed through stages and processes, and I hope he maintains this level,” Marquez said.
Casado’s rise to prominence has been swift, and he recently made his debut for Spain’s national team, further cementing his place as one of La Liga’s brightest prospects. Marquez credits Flick’s decision to keep him in the squad as the key factor in unlocking his potential.
“He has a very winning and competitive mentality. That’s what earned him this opportunity. Flick saw it and immediately decided to keep him, so credit goes to him,” Marquez added.
Casado’s Character and Competitive Spirit
Marquez, who was closely involved in Casado’s development at Barça Atletic, recalled the midfielder’s exuberant and competitive nature, which has been a hallmark of his playing style. “Yes, he’s very emotional, competitive, and exuberant. In any game, anything he won, he celebrated, and you can see his character and desire to succeed,” said Marquez.
While praising Casado’s tenacity, Marquez also highlighted areas for improvement. He believes that the young midfielder’s confidence has allowed him to take risks and express himself more on the pitch. “He has a lot of room for improvement. I think the level of confidence he has now allows him to dare to do things we hadn’t seen before,” Marquez explained.
Room for Growth and Flick’s Trust in Youth
Marquez also noted that Casado’s enthusiasm sometimes leads to lapses in positional play. Suggesting that greater concentration would help the player mature further. “His enthusiasm leads him to lose his positioning. He wants to cover too much space and leaves his zone. He needs to be more positional, and he’s gradually understanding that,” said Marquez.
The former Barcelona coach concluded by praising Hansi Flick’s ability to give young players, including Casado, Marc Bernal, and Sergi Dominguez, a chance to shine. “In the final stage of the process, there must be someone who trusts in them. The way Flick is managing things, his closeness to the players, the staff, and everyone working at the club has helped convince the players to give their all,” Marquez said.
With Casado’s growth trajectory continuing upwards, Marquez’s insights shed light on the critical role that Flick’s coaching philosophy and belief in youth have played in the midfielder’s blossoming career at Barcelona.
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