Frenkie de Jong’s place in Barcelona’s beginning lineup has been unsure for a while, largely because of the constant performances of Marc Casado.
Nevertheless, over the previous couple of weeks, the Dutch midfielder’s state of affairs has begun to shift for the higher.
Hansi Flick rewarded de Jong with a beginning spot towards Atalanta, and of their La Liga match towards Alaves, de Jong performed the complete second half, marking a noticeable turning level.
After the match, his influence was broadly praised, with Alaves’ coach acknowledging how de Jong’s presence helped unlock the group’s attacking choices. Even Flick highlighted de Jong’s development, notably in latest performances.
What triggered the change?
Frenkie de Jong got here on as an alternative towards Alaves. (Photograph by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Photographs)
To completely perceive how de Jong has regained his kind, it’s necessary to think about a number of elements. One key cause for his enchancment has been a change in place.
Flick initially positioned de Jong as a playmaker, a transfer probably meant to guard him. This place allowed de Jong to be much less concerned in defensive duties and gave him extra freedom, away from heavy bodily contact.
So by taking part in him additional up the pitch, Flick allowed de Jong to construct confidence with out exposing him an excessive amount of to direct challenges.
Nevertheless, the midfielder by no means actually felt comfy in a task that required him to play along with his again to the sport, which restricted his involvement. Over time, de Jong has develop into an alternative choice to Casado, and he’s steadily been incomes extra time on the pitch.
Altering the course
Frenkie de Jong modified the course for Barcelona. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Photographs)
Curiously, in Barcelona’s dominant 7-1 victory towards Valencia, each de Jong and Casado featured collectively. That match highlighted the potential for each gamers to co-exist on the sphere.
De Jong took over Pedri’s place, a task that fits him completely because it offers him a clearer view of the sport whereas permitting him to be extra dynamic in his motion.
In opposition to Alaves, de Jong changed Casado at halftime and fully modified the tempo of the match. In simply over 45 minutes, he accomplished 41 passes with 100% accuracy, whereas additionally profitable all his duels.
His efficiency raised an necessary query: which of the 2 midfielders—De Jong or Casado—would be the most popular starter for the high-profile matches later within the season?
In his final 5 appearances, de Jong has performed 331 minutes, beginning thrice, and it’s clear that his redemption is effectively underway.
Only a few weeks in the past, de Jong was going through criticism, however now his performances are incomes him reward. Together with his ankle discomfort now behind him, Frenkie de Jong’s return to kind is one in all Barcelona’s most encouraging tales.
*Participant valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.