Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s wet dream was to bring his old player Frenkie de Jong from his time at Ajax to Old Trafford. – It did not happen, despite repeated attempts. Also Chelsea in their period when they bought everything with a pulse were forward with their big checkbook.
Barcelona, who lead La Liga and have put the job of Real Madrid manager Xabo Alonso, have seen a decline in performance from Frenkie de Jong recently and thus a sale is no longer impossible.
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Frenkie de Jong is no longer an impeccable element in FC Barcelona’s central midfield, a situation that was difficult to imagine in the first period after Hansi Flick’s arrival at Camp Nou. – The German manager has cultivated his best version. The Dutchman has gone from being an undisputed starter to a player with an increasingly secondary role in Hansi Flick’s plans.
For much of the beginning of the season, the duo De Jong and Pedri seemed unwavering. The Canarian player retains his status in the team, but the Dutch international’s performance has raised growing doubts in the coaching staff.
The German coach wants a more dynamic, vertical and fast-paced game. In that context, as the newspaper AS points out, Frenkie de Jong’s profile is starting to fit less well with the idea that Flick aims to consolidate.
Frenkie de Jong and the loss of a central role under Hansi Flick
The most recent example came against Eintracht Frankfurt, when Frenkie de Jong again started the game on the bench. He didn’t enter the field until the 66th minute, in a clear supporting role.
Hansi Flick asked him for order and composure, and the Dutchman fulfilled it with discipline. He played simple, secured possession and avoided unnecessary risk situations, and even operated in a more forward position than usual.
This behavior explains a significant relationship. De Jong loses fewer balls per game than Pedri, not because of greater offensive impact, but because he takes fewer risk situations in demanding areas. Against the German team, the double pivot was formed by Eric García and Pedri. This combination is currently the one that convinces the FC Barcelona coach the most.
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FC Barcelona experiments with options in midfield
De Jong’s situation is not an isolated phenomenon. Hansi Flick has been testing various combinations in recent weeks and has gradually moved the Dutchman to a less prominent role.
Against Betis and Atlético, he chose Eric García along with Pedri. Against Alavés, he surprised with Marc Casadó and Bernal, while against Athletic Club he fielded Eric García alongside Dani Olmo. The message in the locker room is clear. FC Barcelona are looking for more intense profiles, with a greater ability to break lines and maintain a high tempo throughout all ninety minutes. In fact, Frenkie de Jong has not reached even the half-hour mark in the last two games he has played.
The contrast with his previous situation is striking. Just before these absences, Frenkie de Jong played almost every game and accumulated minutes without rest. He played the full ninety minutes against Celta, Elche, Real Madrid, Girona and Real Sociedad. He also played almost the entire game against Sevilla, and was a constant presence in the starting line-up.
In the European Cup, his role was also significant. He played every minute in the draw against Bruges and the loss to Chelsea, even if the collective performance was not matched.
Frenkie de Jong’s stats raise doubts in LaLiga
Nor do the numbers strengthen his candidacy. So far this season, Frenkie de Jong has participated in 17 official matches in LaLiga and the Champions League. He has amassed 1265 minutes, but has yet to score a goal and has only provided two assists. A modest result for a player who is expected to lead Barcelona’s game.
His achievements in Europe are particularly noteworthy. In the Champions League, the Dutchman has yet to score or provide an assist in an FC Barcelona shirt.
Barcelona still have confidence in the Dutch midfielder, with whom they have recently renewed his contract, but they expect a far higher performance and much greater importance on the pitch. He is a player who has been at the club for many years, with a huge salary, and a higher level is expected from him.
