Flick singles him out after Oviedo-Barça, everyone in the locker room knows it, it's happened twice already

Last night, FC Barcelona struggled more than desired to secure three points at Estadio Carlos Tartiere. Flick's team claimed victory in dramatic fashion, as they had to overcome a serious mistake by Joan García in the first half. The culé goalkeeper came too far out of his area and lost the ball while attempting a pass to Marc Casadó in an inexplicable play that Oviedo capitalized on to take the lead.

In the second half, the script changed completely. FC Barcelona's persistence finally paid off with a goal from Eric, which restored calm to the team. Shortly after, Lewandowski and Araújo completed the comeback, sealing a hard-fought but vital win.

Beyond the goals,  a large part of the credit went to Flick's decisions. The German coach read the game well and shook up the bench at the right moment. Frenkie de Jong and Lewandowski, who came on as substitutes, proved decisive in the culé comeback.

However, like all decisions, Flick's are not without controversy. As often happens in high-tension matches, there was also a scapegoat. Marc Casadó was once again singled out after a very lackluster first half and was substituted at halftime.

Marc Casadó is already used to it

Yesterday was only his third start in LaLiga. In two of those three appearances, Marc Casadó has left the field at halftime for Frenkie de Jong. The only time this didn't happen was because the Dutchman was absent due to becoming a father and wasn't even on the bench.

This pattern sends a clear message. For Flick, Marc Casadó is an emergency solution, but he is far from the level required by a competitive Barça. As soon as the coach has the option, he doesn't hesitate to give Frenkie de Jong his spot back, a player who is essential in his system.

The locker room is fully aware of the situation. Marc Casadó works with intensity and commitment, but he knows that opportunities are limited. Flick's trust in Frenkie de Jong seems limitless, and that weighs heavily at a club that can't afford to give away minutes.

Frenkie de Jong is not Marc Casadó's only rival

Moreover, the future is not on his side. Coming up strongly behind is Bernal, another great product of La Masia who plays in his position. Marc Casadó is at a crossroads.

The win in Oviedo helps keep the fight at the top of the table. But it also leaves the feeling that some players have a lot to prove. Marc Casadó has been singled out again, and that's twice in just three starts.

For now, Flick has been clear with his decisions. Everyone in the locker room knows it: Marc Casadó will have to step up if he doesn't want to miss out on the first team for good. His departure in January can't be ruled out if everything stays the same.