Frenkie de Jong is proving that soccer conditions, even once they seem irreversible, can take surprising turns.
In truth, the midfielder has transitioned from being a fringe participant with restricted recreation time to turning into a key determine in Barcelona’s beginning XI.
Sadly, although, his rise has come on the expense of Marc Casado, who not way back appeared an untouchable a part of the squad.
Wanting on the numbers
To place issues into perspective, De Jong has began 4 of Barcelona’s final 5 matches. Within the one recreation he didn’t begin—in opposition to Alaves—he was introduced on simply after the break, changing Casado.
In three of those current begins, he partnered with Pedri in a double-pivot midfield, successfully taking on the function beforehand occupied by Barça’s homegrown expertise.
This resurgence marks a big turnaround for the 27-year-old Netherlands worldwide. Earlier than dealing with Valencia in La Liga on 26 January, De Jong had solely began 4 matches all season.
Frenkie de Jong has dethroned Marc Casado. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Remarkably, he has now matched that tally inside simply two weeks, regardless of intense competitors for locations in Barcelona’s packed midfield.
To this point this season, the membership captain has made 23 appearances throughout all competitions, clocking 1,006 minutes, scoring twice, and offering one help.
Making amends with the followers
His renewed function underneath Hansi Flick has additionally led to a warming relationship with the followers on the Olympic Stadium.
Initially met with boos on account of his excessive wage and extended restoration from ankle points, De Jong is now receiving applause and appreciation from supporters. His contract with the membership runs till June 2026, although renewal talks have been on maintain for months.
In the meantime, Casado’s state of affairs presents a stark distinction. The 21-year-old, who was the season’s breakout star, has seen his affect wane in current weeks.
As soon as a daily starter, he’s now often substituted by the coach. Whereas he had beforehand been relied upon to play whole matches, he has lately change into a extra rotational determine.