Barça: Flick finds Pedri's surprise replacement!

Barça: Flick surprises with Pedri's substitute!

Europe 01 November 2025 at 08:19

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Barça: Flick finds Pedri's surprise replacement!

02.11.25 FT LaLiga Spain

Barcelona

Elche

FC Barcelona is bracing for several weeks without one of its most influential players. Sidelined by a muscle injury, Pedri will be absent, forcing Hansi Flick to reinvent his midfield ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Elche at 18:30. It’s a significant blow, as the Catalan number 8 is the heartbeat between the lines and the creative spark in possession. But the German manager already seems to have found a solution.

De Jong as playmaker, Casadó as holding midfielder

According to Mundo Deportivo, the most likely scenario is to push Frenkie de Jong higher up the pitch into a playmaker’s role. The Dutchman, renowned for his ability to break lines and dictate tempo, will enjoy more freedom going forward while still orchestrating the build-up play. Behind him, young Marc Casadó would slot in as the holding midfielder—a more defensive role usually assigned to De Jong. Having already made ten appearances this season, the 20-year-old has impressed with his maturity and positional sense, earning Flick’s trust for such a demanding context.