🚩🔥📊 In the UCL, out of 76 defensive duels, Marc Casado has won 51, which is 67.11%. No one has been involved in as many defensive duels, and no one has won as many as Casadó. He has won more defensive duels than any other midfielder and ranks third overall across all positions. He also ranks second in tackles made, with 10 only behind Jude Bellingham, who has 15. He ranks sixth among midfielders for quick recoveries, with 39 in the eight matches he has played. He has attempted 480 passes and successfully completed 441 of them, making him the seventh-ranked midfielder in both categories. He has attempted 60 passes into the final third, completing 49 successfully, ranking 14th in that metric. (Via: Mundo Deportivo 🥈)

Marc Casadó’s Impressive Champions League Defensive and Passing Metrics: A Detailed Breakdown 📊

 

Marc Casadó, the young Barcelona midfielder, has been one of the standout performers in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) this season, especially in terms of defensive contributions and passing efficiency. His statistical output places him among the best midfielders in Europe, showing his exceptional ability to break up opposition attacks while maintaining high passing accuracy.

 

In this detailed analysis, we will break down Casadó’s performances across various defensive and passing metrics, comparing him to his peers and evaluating what his numbers suggest about his overall impact on the pitch.

 

 

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Defensive Contributions: The Best in the UCL

 

One of Casadó’s biggest strengths this season has been his defensive ability. His numbers indicate that he is not only highly involved in duels but also highly successful in winning them.

 

1️⃣ Defensive Duels Won – A League-Leading Stat

 

Total Defensive Duels: 76

 

Defensive Duels Won: 51

 

Success Rate: 67.11%

 

Highest Number of Defensive Duels Won in the UCL

 

 

Casadó has engaged in more defensive duels than any other player in the competition and has also won the most. This is an extraordinary feat because it shows that he is not only actively contesting for possession but also coming out victorious in most of those battles.

 

To put this into perspective, a success rate of 67.11% in defensive duels is considered elite, particularly for a midfielder. Most top defensive midfielders typically have a success rate between 60-65%, which means Casadó is performing above the standard for his position.

 

Furthermore, his total of 51 defensive duels won is higher than any other midfielder, and he ranks third overall across all positions. This means that not only is he excelling in midfield battles, but he is also outperforming many defenders and other traditionally defensive players.

 

This level of defensive involvement suggests that Casadó is an aggressive, tenacious player who does not shy away from physical battles. It also highlights his importance in shielding Barcelona’s defensive line, allowing the more attack-minded midfielders to focus on progressing the ball forward.

 

 

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2️⃣ Tackles Made – Among the Best in Europe

 

Tackles Made: 10

 

Rank Among All UCL Players: 2nd

 

Only Behind: Jude Bellingham (15 Tackles)

 

 

Casadó is also one of the most active tacklers in the UCL. With 10 tackles, he ranks second in the entire competition, only behind Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who has 15.

 

This statistic reinforces his defensive work rate and ability to win the ball back through direct challenges. Tackling is a critical component of a defensive midfielder’s skill set, and being among the top tacklers in the UCL shows that Casadó is constantly looking to disrupt opposition attacks.

 

Jude Bellingham, despite being an attacking midfielder, is often involved in defensive duties due to Real Madrid’s tactical setup. The fact that Casadó is only five tackles behind him, despite being younger and less experienced, further highlights his defensive excellence.

 

 

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3️⃣ Quick Recoveries – A Vital Part of Barcelona’s System

 

Quick Recoveries: 39

 

Rank Among Midfielders: 6th

 

 

Quick recoveries refer to a player’s ability to regain possession shortly after losing it. This is a crucial aspect of Barcelona’s high-pressing system, where regaining the ball quickly prevents opponents from launching counter-attacks.

 

With 39 quick recoveries, Casadó ranks 6th among midfielders in the Champions League. This means that he is one of the most effective players in transitioning from defense to attack, ensuring that Barcelona remains dominant in possession.

 

Casadó’s ability to make recoveries is a testament to his positional awareness, anticipation, and stamina. He consistently reads the game well, places himself in the right positions, and reacts quickly when possession is lost.

 

 

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Passing Ability: A Reliable Distributor

 

While Casadó is mainly recognized for his defensive contributions, his passing numbers also showcase his reliability as a deep-lying playmaker.

 

4️⃣ Overall Passing Performance

 

Total Passes Attempted: 480

 

Total Passes Completed: 441

 

Passing Accuracy: 91.87%

 

Rank Among Midfielders (Total Passes & Completed Passes): 7th

 

 

Casadó has attempted 480 passes and successfully completed 441, giving him an excellent pass completion rate of 91.87%. This ranks him 7th among all midfielders in both total passes and completed passes.

 

A completion rate above 90% is considered elite, particularly for a midfielder who frequently handles the ball. This indicates that Casadó is a safe and efficient passer, ensuring that possession is maintained and that his team can dictate play.

 

Barcelona’s style of play is based on possession and quick ball circulation, meaning midfielders must be comfortable on the ball. Casadó’s passing stats confirm that he is not only secure in possession but also highly involved in build-up play.

 

 

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5️⃣ Final Third Passing – Balancing Defense and Attack

 

Total Passes into Final Third: 60

 

Successful Final Third Passes: 49

 

Success Rate: 81.67%

 

Rank Among Midfielders: 14th

 

 

Despite being a defensive-minded player, Casadó also contributes to attacking build-up. His 60 passes into the final third show that he is not just recycling possession but actively looking to progress the ball forward.

 

With 49 successful final third passes, Casadó has a success rate of 81.67%, meaning that most of his attacking passes are accurate and contribute to goal-scoring opportunities.

 

While he ranks 14th in this category, it is important to note that many of the players above him are more advanced midfielders or attacking playmakers, whose primary responsibility is to create chances. For a defensive midfielder, this level of attacking contribution is a bonus.

 

 

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Overall Assessment: A Future Star in the Making

 

Key Takeaways from Casadó’s UCL Performance:

 

✅ Best Defensive Duel Winner in the UCL (51 won, 67.11% success rate)

✅ Second Most Tackles in the UCL (10 tackles, only behind Bellingham)

✅ 6th Among Midfielders in Quick Recoveries (39 recoveries)

✅ 7th Among Midfielders in Total & Completed Passes (480 attempted, 441 completed, 91.87%)

✅ 14th in Passes into Final Third (60 attempted, 49 completed)

 

At just 20 years old, Casadó has established himself as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe. His defensive prowess, passing reliability, and tactical intelligence make him an essential asset for Barcelona’s midfield.

 

If he continues on this trajectory, he could soon become a first-team regular and potentially emerge as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football. His blend of defensive solidity, pressing intensity, and accurate distribution makes him a perfect fit for modern football.

 

Conclusion: The Future of Barcelona’s Midfield

 

Casadó’s UCL stats prove that he is already playing at an elite level despite his young age. His defensive contributions are among the best in the competition, and his passing accuracy ensures that Barcelona retains control of the game.

 

With more experience and development, he has the potential to become a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team in the coming years. His performances so far indicate that he is on the path

to greatness, and if nurtured properly, he could follow in the footsteps of legendary Barcelona midfielders like Sergio Busquets.