Frenkie de Jong’s journey at Barcelona has been removed from easy, whilst he approaches his sixth season with the membership.
To that extent, a report from Jordi Gil by way of SPORT has talked about that though his expertise is simple, he has struggled to discover a constant position on the sector that maximises his potential.
De Jong’s time with Barcelona has been stuffed with place modifications and tactical changes, none of which have offered the Dutch midfielder with the soundness he must thrive.
All the time altering
Initially, it appeared that De Jong may fill the pivotal position in Barcelona’s midfield, a place beforehand dominated by membership legend Sergio Busquets.
Nevertheless, in his debut match in La Liga again in 2019, the midfield dynamics below then-manager Ernesto Valverde didn’t click on as anticipated. The dearth of cohesion left De Jong with no clear place, and this development has continued by way of a number of seasons.
The 2020-21 season introduced a change in administration with Ronald Koeman, a fellow Dutchman who many thought could be the appropriate individual to assist De Jong shine.
Frenkie de Jong’s place at Barcelona isn’t sure. (Picture by Angel Martinez/Getty Photos)
Nevertheless, Miralem Pjanic’s arrival from Juventus meant De Jong was as soon as once more left adjusting his place reasonably than anchoring the midfield. With Busquets nonetheless occupying the pivot position, De Jong was shuffled round, unable to safe his very best spot.
Following Busquets’ departure to Inter Miami, there was renewed hope for De Jong to take cost of the midfield. But, this season below Hansi Flick, issues have been sophisticated by an ankle damage that restricted De Jong’s playtime.
Place and future removed from sure
Although he made an impactful return in opposition to Actual Madrid, his place within the squad stays unsure. His alternative within the subsequent sport in opposition to Espanyol didn’t go properly, resulting in doubts about his position as a starter.
Including to the complexity, Barcelona have robust midfield choices with gamers like Marc Casado, Pedri, Dani Olmo, and the ever-competitive Gavi, who’re all pushing for spots.
Even Eric Garcia has seen time as a central midfielder, additional complicating De Jong’s place within the lineup.
Along with his contract expiring in 2026, Barcelona should quickly resolve whether or not to resume it or contemplate promoting him in the summertime to safe monetary acquire. This resolution will probably form not solely De Jong’s future but additionally Barcelona’s strategy to their midfield.
*Participant valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.