Former head of Barca Atletic Rafa Marquez he greeted Marc Casado ascend to the star of the first team at Barcelona.
Marquez gave Casado his breakthrough with the reserve team after his strong progression with the La Masia academy.
After a reduced role last season, Hansi Flick opted to keep Casado with the first team from pre-season, after being impressed by the 21-year-old in training.
Casado's tenacity and selflessness made him an ideal candidate for the base of Flick's midfield and he featured in 11 out of 13. The League games so far in 2024/25.
His form at club level earned him a first senior call-up for Spain this monthahead of the UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Switzerland.
That continued progress has been praised by Marquez who believes it is a reward for the hard work over many years behind the scenes at Barcelona by the Catalan-born player.
“Casado is very competitive and Flick, from the first moment he saw him, decided to keep it. We have to give him credit for that and have the courage to give the boy a role,” as quoted by SER Catalunya , away World of Sports.
“Barca B was a very different team without Casado in it. It reminds me of myself, in terms of attitude, character and the desire to improve every day, giving everything in every match and training.
