Marc Casado talks Olmo, Thiago, La Masia, preferred position – ‘The secret is to always give 100%’ | OneFootball

Marc Casado is one of the La Masia products enjoying his breakthrough season at FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick in 2024/25.

Even though the 21-year-old midfielder made his debut under Xavi Hernandez, he never got an extended run in the team.

However, impressive performances in pre-season ensured that Casado earned a promotion to the senior setup and Marc Bernal’s injury has made him a regular starter as one of the two pivots.

In fact, this past weekend, the Spanish ace put on a fine display against Girona, showing that he can be a long-term solution for Barcelona’s pivot midfield position.

Casado happy with how things are going

Earlier today, Casado sat down for an interview with Jijantes FC, and discussed the season so far and how things are developing for himself and Barcelona under Flick.

“I am very happy with the start in La Liga. I hope that the team’s good momentum continues,” said Casado about Barcelona’s perfect start to the La Liga campaign, with the team winning each of their five games so far.

On his own breakthrough into the senior team and consolidation of the starting spot in recent weeks, Casado stressed that it was important that he took the opportunities when they came his way and gave his 100%.

“The secret is to always give 100%. It’s more likely that you’ll get opportunities and take advantage of them when they come,” he remarked.

Casado has become a regular starter under Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona have seen Casado, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal, Lamine Yamal, and Alejandro Balde make seamless transition from youth football to first-team football in recent years.

And Casado credits this to the way that the youngsters are brought up at La Masia, saying:

“The homegrown players… it’s something you notice. For eight years I’ve been working in the same way. You notice the fact that you’ve adapted to the philosophy. And you see that at 16/17 years old you can do it.”

During the interview, Casado also touched upon his relationship with former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who worked briefly as Flick’s assistant during the summer.

The youngster revealed that the now-retired former Liverpool man was a huge help and hoped he can return to the club in the future.

“The relationship with Thiago was very good. He is not with us. Hopefully he can come back. He helped me and the whole team to understand what Flick wanted,” he remarked.

Casado is a versatile player capable of operating as a No. 6, No. 8 or even a right-back. When asked where he preferred to play, the youngster said:

“I feel comfortable everywhere. The important thing is to be able to wear this shirt for as long as possible; that’s what I like. Whether it’s at 6, 8, 10 or full-back. Whatever.”

Casado was also full of praise for summer signing Dani Olmo, highlighting how quickly he has adapted to the club, saying:

“Dani Olmo… it’s what we were talking about La Masia. He has adapted quicker than normal. Both as a person and as a player he has given us a lot. He’s a great guy. When I give the ball to him I’m sure that good things will happen.”

Signing off, the youngster also named Erling Haaland as the one player he would sign for Barcelona if he was in Deco’s shoes for one day.