Casado feels he was ignored by Xavi last season as he finds his place this term under coach Hansi Flick.
Advertisement
Advertisement
He told 3cat: “I didn't have too many opportunities, but that helped me to be stronger mentally.
"Sometimes I saw that I could play, but I didn't have the opportunity.
"Despite this, I am very grateful to Xavi. He was the coach who made me debut with the first team, so I will always be grateful to him."
Casado added: "I have taken a slightly longer road, but I think that this has helped me to be where I am now and has given me experience to know which stadiums are more complicated."