‘It’s a difficult question’ - Flick admits to selection headache over De Jong and Casadó
The two midfielders are fighting for one spot in the lineup
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is facing quite the selection headache at the moment when it comes to Pedri’s partner in the double pivot of his midfield, with both Marc Casadó and Frenkie de Jong deserving of a chance to start and play big minutes.
Casadó has been the starter most of the season, grabbing the opportunity given to him due to injuries in the position early in the campaign and becoming a crucial piece of the system for a long time with his intensity and defensive quality.
But Frenkie has taken his spot in recent weeks, as the Dutchman has risen to a very high level and is playing some of the best football of his Barça career. Casadó has done nothing wrong to lose his spot, but De Jong has simply been too good to be left out.
Flick was asked abouth those two players and that selection headache in a press conference on Saturday, and admitted it’s not an easy decision when it comes to picking between the two from game to game because of the different things they can offer the team.
“It’s a difficult question. Frenkie has improved a lot this month. Casadó is more defensive and is more focused on defence. With Frenkie we can have more possession and be more offensive. Casadó is a young player and can improve, but in his first season he is doing very well and can be proud of what he has achieved.”
Hansi has certainly leaned towards the offensive upgrade Frenkie offers in the last month or so, but after conceding quite a few goals in big games recently the coach might also consider inserting Casadó back into the lineup to try and achieve more defensive balance.
Time will tell who will be the pivot as we reach the business end of the season, but Barça are certainly spoiled for options at a very important position.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
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