Best players, coaches, teams of the 21st century - ranked

Why American fans should care about the 2025 Club World Cup

As USMNT boss, Pochettino opens doors for Latino players, fans

Vinícius Júnior’s imperfect conception

The 25 best USMNT players of the 21st century - ranked

'Every coach's dream' - Guardiola tipped for sensational Madrid move

Mbappe handed new nickname at Real Madrid after Sevilla stunner

'I'll lose myself' - Amorim explains reasons for Rashford exile

Revealed: Man Utd rejected Fernandes' offer to pay for staff extras

Yamal spends Christmas in Dubai for special injury treatment

Valverde explains how to get Mbappe firing

Heartbreak for Zirkzee as Man Utd forward 'confirms' split with model girlfriend

Amorim moves out of Manchester hotel shared by Mourinho

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"970b46ce-81b6-494d-942a-ff5ab2ea4651","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Marquez points out Casado's weakness</li><li>Coached him at Barca Atletic</li><li>Casado impressing under Hansi Flick with first team</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Barcelona legend Rafa Marquez highlights one area of improvement for Marc Casado

Copa del Rey

Barbastro

Barcelona

<p>Marc Casado's performances haven't surprised former Barcelona defender Rafa Marquez, but the Mexican has pointed out one key area of improvement despite his impactful displays for the Barca first team under new coach Hansi Flick. Casado is a product of the famed La Masia academy and played under Marquez when he played for Barca Atletic, the B team.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Casado has been a surprising find for Barcelona and Flick. The 21-year-old had a strong pre-season but was behind fellow academy player Marc Bernal in the pecking order. An injury to Bernal, though, opened the doors for Casado to get regular playing time. The defensive midfielder's maturity and composure on the ball has belied his lack of prior top-flight experience. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/barcelona-pull-out-joshua-kimmich-race-following-rise-prominence-la-masia-star/bltc86f677689428a04" target="_self">Flick sees Casado as one of his key personnel</a>, but Marquez believes the youngster can improve in one vital aspect of his game.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>“I am very happy for him. I have seen how he has gone through processes and I hope he maintains that level,” Marquez said on the programme <em>Qué T'hi jugues</em> on SER Catalunya, as quoted by <a href="https://as.com/futbol/primera/lluvia-de-elogios-para-casado-n/" target="_self">AS</a>.</p><p>“His attitude, his character and his desire to improve every day. He has a very competitive mentality. That’s what has given him the opportunity. Flick saw that and decided to keep him from the start, and we have to give him credit for that.</p><p>“He is very emotional, competitive, effusive... he would celebrate any game, anything he won, and that is where his character of wanting to succeed is evident.</p><p>“He has a lot of room for improvement. His enthusiasm leads him to lose his bearings. He wants to cover too much space and leaves his zone. He needs to be more positional and they are gradually understanding this.</p><p>”I think his level of confidence allows him to dare to do things we haven’t seen him do before. He never stops fighting. He is very competitive. When things go wrong, he is very positive. He is a total leader."</p>

WHAT RAFA MARQUEZ SAID

<p>Casado received his maiden call-up for the Spanish national team by Luis de la Fuente for this month's international games in the Nations League. De La Fuente heaped praise on the Catalan midfielder ahead of handing him his potential debut: "It’s all thanks to his confidence, determination and ability. There are very good footballers who need that level of demand to shine,” the La Roja boss told the media.</p><p>“If he hadn’t been put in his club we wouldn’t have valued his ability so much. Great professionals and great people are the ones who show the most when faced with the greatest challenges. From now on he will be challenged and he is ready. He still has room for improvement.”</p><p>Casado will be hoping to feature in some capacity against Denmark and Spain in the coming days.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MARC CASADO?

Barcelona legend Rafa Marquez highlights one area of improvement for Marc Casado | Goal.com US

Marc Casado&apos;s performances have caught the eye of Barcelona&apos;s legendary defender Rafa Marquez, but the Mexican believes the Spanish midfielder can still improve.