Now or by no means – Barcelona midfielder working out of probabilities to remain related in Flick’s plans

Frenkie de Jong has transitioned from being a assured starter underneath each supervisor at FC Barcelona to discovering himself relegated to the bench throughout his sixth season on the membership.

This marketing campaign, he has appeared in 15 matches after recovering from an ankle damage, however he has struggled to regain his aggressive edge, even being immediately accountable for a few of the staff’s setbacks.

With anticipated rotations in opposition to Actual Betis tonight following the extraordinary Spanish Tremendous Cup, De Jong might get one other alternative, both as a starter or coming off the bench within the second half.

This may very well be his final likelihood to show himself as an necessary participant or threat turning into merely a backup possibility, particularly as he has solely a 12 months and a half remaining on his contract with Barcelona.

Not benefiting from his probabilities

Hansi Flick has been making an attempt each potential solution to get the Dutch midfielder again to his greatest, however De Jong has but to indicate the required aggressive type to safe an everyday spot.

In Saudi Arabia, he squandered one other likelihood in the course of the 17 minutes he performed in opposition to Athletic Membership within the Tremendous Cup semi-final.

After enjoying the complete 90 minutes in Barbastro, Flick introduced the Netherlands worldwide on to safe the 2-0 victory in opposition to Athletic.

Nonetheless, the midfielder as an alternative endangered the end result with a poor turnover that led to a objective by Inaki Williams. He was saved by VAR, which detected an earlier contact by Álvaro Djaló, ruling the play offside.

As soon as once more, De Jong’s efficiency on this key second fell far brief.

Extra misses than hits

Struggling to remain related. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photographs)

The 27-year-old’s return from a prolonged damage layoff has been something however easy. His solely league begin got here in opposition to Actual Sociedad a recreation which Barça misplaced 1-0. He performed only one half of that match earlier than being withdrawn once more with ankle discomfort.

There have been some moments of high quality reminiscent of his efficiency in opposition to Mallorca the place he scored and assisted a objective apiece whereas he additionally helped Barça see out a 4-0 win in opposition to Actual Madrid on the Santiago Bernabeu again in October.

Nonetheless, De Jong’s return has seen extra misses than hits.

Two defensive lapses, particularly, stand out which proved pricey for Barcelona. On the Benito Villamarin, in opposition to Actual Betis, the midfielder gave away a careless penalty by stepping on Vitor Roque, which led to a draw and value Barça two factors.

One other two factors slipped away at Balaidos when De Jong didn’t react throughout a late equaliser by Celta Vigo. As Hugo Alvarez reduce previous Hector Fort and scored, the previous Ajax man stood passively, providing no help, to the frustration of his teammate.

The state of affairs has gotten to a stage the place there’s a rising concern throughout the Blaugrana dressing room about De Jong’s type and angle.

Operating out of probabilities

De Jong’s alternatives to redeem himself are dwindling. The Copa del Rey might present him with one other likelihood to shine, however failure to carry out on the required degree may seal his destiny.

Upcoming fixtures in opposition to Getafe and Valencia in La Liga, in addition to Benfica and Atalanta within the Champions League, mark essential moments in January.

If the Dutchman doesn’t step up this Wednesday at Montjuïc, his position within the staff may very well be additional diminished.