Frenkie de Jong has discovered himself from being an everyday starter at FC Barcelona to turning into a peripheral determine this season.
The Dutchman has struggled to carve out a spot for himself since coming back from a prolonged damage layoff and finds himself behind the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Marc Casado, and Dani Olmo within the pecking order.
Given his lowered standing and contract state of affairs, speculations about his future are rife and final evening’s Copa del Rey conflict vs Actual Betis was seen as considerably of a last-chance salon for the Dutchman to maintain himself related in Hansi Flick’s plans.
Hansi Flick nonetheless believes in De Jong
Now, in response to Toni Juanmarti of SPORT, Flick nonetheless believes in De Jong’s monumental potential and is assured that, with restored motivation and rhythm, the midfielder can compete for a beginning spot at the same time as uncertainty looms massive over his contract state of affairs.
Frenkie de Jong’s position has been lowered at Barcelona. (Picture by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Pictures)
This comes after final evening’s 5-1 win over Actual Betis, the place positioned on the base of the midfield, De Jong used his beginning position to show he generally is a important asset.
Taking part in with the sport in entrance of him, the Dutchman facilitated ball development, delivered exact passes, and labored tirelessly in defensive duties. He appeared snug initiating performs and even broke strains together with his runs from deep.
Within the second half, the previous AFC Ajax star produced a high-quality help for Lamine Yamal, however the objective was dominated out because of a marginal offside within the buildup.
Whereas the match was comparatively easy and never the final word take a look at of De Jong’s capabilities, his robust 90-minute show might function the muse for a resurgent run.
And with Flick nonetheless believing in his capabilities, the Netherlands worldwide will probably get extra alternatives within the coming matches to construct on his basis and re-establish himself as an essential member of the crew.