The last matchday of La Liga left FC Barcelona fans with mixed feelings. The epic comeback at the Metropolitano made it seem like Barça would enjoy a calm break, but an unexpected injury changed everything. Casadó's absence, who suffered a tear of the lateral collateral ligament in his knee, is a hard blow for the blaugranas.
Hansi Flick, the German coach, is forced to reorganize his midfield. However, his view on Gavi is not the same as that of many fans. The German doesn't see the talented midfielder in the role of a double pivot.
Casadó's Absence and Flick's Options
Casadó's injury is a blow for Barça. The player from Vallès, who had alternated between starter and substitute, was being a key piece in the midfield.
Although Frenkie de Jong had gained ground in the starting line-up, Casadó was the first replacement to join Pedri in the midfield. With his departure from the season, the team loses one of its most versatile pieces.
In this situation, Flick has two main options to strengthen the midfield: Eric García and Gavi. Although both have different characteristics, the German coach already has a clear idea of who fits better into his vision.
Eric García, the Most Versatile Option
The first on Flick's list is Eric García. Although his future was uncertain, the center-back from Martorell has shown that he offers more than just defense. His versatility and good performance in the victory against Benfica in Lisbon have earned him Flick's trust.
The Catalan player already demonstrated at the Metropolitano that he can perform as a pivot, and everything indicates that he will be one of the key pieces in Barça's midfield. His ability to distribute the ball and position himself will be crucial, especially against teams that play with a low block and require possession.
Gavi and His Role on the Field
On the other hand, Hansi Flick has a different view regarding Gavi. The talented midfielder, known for his intensity in duels and his ability to press the opponent, is not the ideal profile to play as a double pivot. Unlike Eric García, Gavi is better suited to matches that require a more electric game with quick transitions.
In those types of matches, the young midfielder from Seville can be a game-changer thanks to his speed and dynamism. Flick prefers not to pigeonhole him into a role that requires so much possession and ball control, like that offered by the double pivot.