On-loan Barcelona star makes promising debut for new club in La Liga – report

On-loan Barcelona star makes promising debut for new club in La Liga – report Marc Casado has made an encouraging start to life away from Barcelona, helping Deportivo La Coruna secure an impressive 3-2 victory over Villarreal in his first appearance for the club. The former Barça Atletic captain secured a late deadline-day loan move to the newly promoted La Liga side, with an option to buy him for €30 million. According to Mundo Deportivo , the Barça midfielder, who is spending the season on loan at Depor, was introduced in the 66th minute with the score level at 1-1. Casado thrown straight into a difficult situation The 22-year-old replaced Mario Soriano and moved into a double pivot alongside Lorenzo Amatucci. With Villarreal pushing for control, Casado was asked to provide defensive stability and quickly settled into that responsibility. He won a couple of duels, made several important interventions and blocked a dangerous effort during a frantic second half. Marc Casado is on loan this season at Deportivo La Coruna. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) There was little time for him to ease into the contest, but that may actually have suited some of his strongest qualities. Casado has always been a midfielder who plays with intensity, understands defensive spaces and is willing to compete for second balls. Those traits were immediately useful in a match that became increasingly chaotic. Positive first step away from Barcelona Depor eventually came through the contest with a major away win against a Champions League side, giving Casado a strong platform at the beginning of his loan spell. He also linked up well with former Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who played a decisive role with a goal and two assists. For Barça , this is exactly what the loan needs to provide. Marc Casado might not have a future at Barcelona beyond this season. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Casado requires regular senior minutes, responsibility and exposure to difficult La Liga matches, which could help drive up his market value. Even though he is only away on loan, it does feel like Casado’s time as a Barça player has come to an end, and the club will likely want to move him on next summer. At Casado’s age, if he manages to have a breakthrough season at Depor, that could help Barça sell him for a higher fee next summer. One match does not define Casado’s loan spell, but against Villarreal, he has made a bright start. Barça will be closely watching his development, and it remains to be seen how the 22-year-old fares through the course of the season.