La Masia always offers solutions
Pau Prim could be the 'signing' that complements Marc Casadó
FC Barcelona's starting pivot does not have a clear replacement and, in the face of possible departures, a promotion from the reserve team could be the solution
Marc Casadó's performance in his first season in the elite of football is difficult to improve. The man from Sant Pere de Vilamajor, after the injury of his namesake Bernal, took the position that had been vacant since last season and that had caused so many headaches for Xavi Hernández. There was no signing for the defensive midfielder and the former captain of the reserve team took the reins, becoming irreplaceable. His contribution to the game, both in attack and defence, has led him to be a key player in Hansi Flick's plans.
However, the problem arises when thinking that he does not have a teammate in his position who can give him rest and offer him competition. With Bernal's anterior cruciate ligament rupture, Casadó is the only pure pivot in the squad. Until now, Eric García and Andreas Christensen have also played in that position, but neither is a specialist. In addition, the winter market is coming up and the departures would help a lot to solve Barça's financial situation. Both defenders are likely to be transferred, so Flick would be left with fewer players capable of doing the 'dirty work' in midfield.
La Masía as a solution to every problem
Just as Flick found Casadó and Bernal at La Masía, he can now find another player to help him with the lack of players in that area. Pau Prim, the current starting pivot for the reserve team and the Spanish under-19 team, emerges as a possibility. He is a right-footed player of 1.79 metres, born in 2006. At 18 years old, he shows great maturity with the ball at his feet and a very advanced ability to bring the ball out. He is, what is called, a player with the famous 'Barça DNA'.
So far, he has played in all the games he has been available, which are 16. He has been a starter in the vast majority, except for the last one, against the Osasuna reserve team, where he came on as a substitute in the 75th minute. His growth this year is notable, as he has taken over from Marc and has adapted like a glove to the needs of the squad. He still has aspects to improve, such as his decisiveness in some defensive actions, but perhaps he could be a good option for Flick to give Casadó a rest and, in this way, he can also gain experience with the first team.
