Frenkie de Jong is no longer untouchable for Flick

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La Liga

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Barcelona Real Madrid

10/05/26 21:00:00

1.75 4.20 3.60

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Frenkie De Jong is no longer an untouchable piece in the center of the FC Barcelona midfield, a situation difficult to imagine since the arrival of Hansi Flick at Camp Nou, who has brought out his best version. The Dutchman has gone from being an undisputed starter to a player with an increasingly secondary role in Hansi Flick's plans.

For much of the early part of the season, the duo of De Jong and Pedri seemed unmovable. The Canarian maintains his status within the team, but the performance of the Dutch international has raised growing doubts among the coaching staff.

The German coach is looking for a more dynamic, vertical, and high-tempo game. In that context, as indicated by the newspaper AS, Frenkie De Jong's profile is starting to fit less easily into the idea that Flick aims to consolidate.

Frenkie De Jong and the loss of prominence under Hansi Flick

The latest example occurred against Eintracht Frankfurt when Frenkie De Jong once again started the match on the bench. He did not enter the field until the 66th minute, playing a clearly supporting role.

Hansi Flick asked him for order and composure, and the Dutchman complied with discipline. He played simple, secured possession, and avoided unnecessary risks, even operating in a more advanced position than usual.

This behavior explains a significant fact. De Jong loses fewer balls per game than Pedri, not because of a greater offensive impact, but because he takes fewer risks in compromised areas. Against the German team, the double pivot was formed by Eric García and Pedri. That combination is currently the one that convinces the FC Barcelona coach the most.

FC Barcelona experimenting with alternatives in midfield

De Jong's situation is not an isolated fact. Hansi Flick has tested different combinations in recent weeks, progressively relegating the Dutchman to a less prominent role.

Against Betis and Atlético, he opted for Eric García alongside Pedri. Against Alavés, he surprised with Marc Casadó and Bernal, while against Athletic Club, he fielded Eric García with Dani Olmo. The message is clear within the locker room. FC Barcelona is looking for more intense profiles, with greater ability to break lines and maintain a high pace throughout the ninety minutes. In fact, Frenkie De Jong has not reached the half-hour mark in the last two matches played.

The contrast with his previous situation is striking. Right before these absences, Frenkie De Jong was playing almost every game and accumulating minutes without rest. He played the full ninety minutes against Celta, Elche, Real Madrid, Girona, and Real Sociedad. He also played almost the entire match against Sevilla, being a constant presence in the starting eleven.

In European competition, his role was also significant. He played every minute in the draw against Bruges and the defeat against Chelsea, although the collective performance did not match.

Statistics of Frenkie De Jong raise doubts in LaLiga

The numbers also do not help strengthen his candidacy. So far this season, Frenkie De Jong has participated in 17 official matches in LaLiga and the Champions League. He has accumulated 1,265 minutes but has not yet scored a goal and has only provided two assists. A modest record for a player expected to lead Barcelona's game.

His performance in Europe is particularly noteworthy. In the Champions League, the Dutchman has not yet scored or assisted while wearing the FC Barcelona jersey.

Barcelona still trusts the Dutch midfielder, whom they have recently renewed, but they expect much higher performance and much more importance on the field. He is a player who has been at the club for many years, with a huge salary, and a higher level is expected from him.

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