Although all eyes are on the more than likely returns of Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal to the starting eleven of FC Barcelona, Marc Casadó appears to be the real 'luxury' reinforcement for Hansi Flick ahead of the match against Mallorca at Son Mix.
The midfielder was off the pitch in the final minutes of the clash against Celta in Balaídos and in the match against Las Palmas in Montjuïc, and the Catalans paid dearly for his absence. The team is unquestionably more fragile without the '17' on the pitch, and the setbacks in the two aforementioned clashes are proof of this.
With Casadó on the sidelines, the Catalans conceded two goals in Vigo after his expulsion and another two goals in the defeat against the Canary Islands team at the Lluís Companys. The figure of the youth player has more and more weight in Flick's system, where the balance and defensive reliability provided by the player is essential for the good functioning of the team.
A key signing for Son Moix
Now, once his suspension has ended, the midfielder is aiming to be a starter in Mallorca, since he has managed to take over the centre of the midfield. Neither Eric García, nor Gavi, nor Frenkie de Jong have shown that they are up to the task required to take charge of the 'engine room', where, in addition, the intensity and vigour of the '17' is essential to optimise the pressure after the team loses.
In addition, and despite not being his strong point, Marc has managed to leave his mark in attack, accumulating five assists this season (three in LaLiga and two in the Champions League) with a 96% effectiveness in passes in his own half and 86% in the opposition half. Meanwhile, in defence he wins 61% of his individual duels and has not made any mistakes that have led to a goal against. A key piece to get Flick's winning machine going again.