Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock called the trio “exceptional” and said they “constantly allowed Barcelona to play”.
Casado, who Warnock said had a natural “understanding of how to read danger” was the deepest of the three midfielders, shielding the defence and winning the ball back for his side.
The former Barcelona B captain only made his first Barcelona start this season, but has become a regular for Haasi Flick’s side, getting the nod in all of their Champions League matches this term, and came up with an assist on Wednesday.
“Casado played twice for Xavi last season and Xavi was told if you put Casado in the team enough, he wouldn’t come out of it,” added Balague.
“Xavi thought he was too short for a holding midfielder, but he’s in now.”
Just ahead of Casado was Pedri, already a superstar and a true champion of the transition, constantly receiving the ball off his defenders and playing it forward.
Pedri joined Barca from Las Palmas in 2020 at the age of 16, won the Golden Boy award in 2021 and, that same year, ended up signing a contract extension which included a 1bn euro (£846m) release clause.
Roma have sacked Ivan Juric after only 12 matches in charge. The Croatian became the second Roma head coach to be fired this season after the side’s 3-2 home
Roma have sacked head coach Ivan Juric following Sunday's 3-2 home defeat by Bologna and are searching for their third manager of the season. Croatian Juric, 49
Vinícius Júnior scored a hat-trick to help Real Madrid snap a two-game winless run at the Bernabéu in all competitions with a commanding 4-0 victory over Osa
The November international break is upon us, meaning this will be the final pause in club football around the globe until the sprin