‘I didn’t expect to come on’… Barcelona midfielder reacts to his debut for Spain | OneFootball

FC Barcelona players and the Spanish National team have a rather special background and history between them. Many of the country’s greatest ever players have emerged from the Catalan club, and primarily through La Masia. Fortunately for both sides, that tradition between Spain and Barcelona continues to live on.

The likes of Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Marc Cucurella, and others have emerged from La Masia and have helped out Spain in recent times. Even their most recent triumph at the 2024 edition of the European Championship saw Luis de la Fuente’s side be heavily influenced by players who have a background with the Barcelona academy.

Now, there is a new name that has officially debuted for his side as well in the most recent UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark. Marc Casado, aged 21, becomes the latest Barcelona player to make his mark for the senior men’s Spanish National team.

After the game however, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Casado revealed something interesting. Initially, the Spaniard claimed that he did not even ‘expect to come on’ when other substitutes were getting ready, but a certain injury changed all of that:

“I didn’t expect to come on because other teammates were about to enter, but then I saw that ‘Zubi’ seemed to have some discomfort. It was a tough match, one of those that teach you. We were winning 0-2, and in the end, it got a bit tricky, but we managed to hold on.”

However, that does not mean that the player did not enjoy his first ever outing for Luis de la Fuente’s side. Instead, it was all like a dream come true for the young La Masia midfielder:

“I feel very satisfied. In moments like these, you think about the people who have supported you along the way, your family and friends who have helped you so much. I’m very happy… Everything went perfectly—the victory, securing first place, and on top of that, my debut. Everything was perfect.”

Ultimately, Spain ended up winning 2-1 over their opponents from Denmark. Other players from Barcelona such as Dani Olmo and Pedri also ended up participating, whereas Pau Cubarsi was excluded from the squad for this game ahead of the match itself.