There is currently no place for Frenkie de Jong in FC Barcelona’s midfield. Tonight, in the 1-0 win against Real Madrid, the Orange international played as a central defender for the second time. After the board, does trainer Xavi want to bully him away?
Frenkie de Jong played in the heart of the defense under Ronald Koeman a few times last year, but that was a solution born of necessity, due to the many injuries in the last line. However, on the tour through the United States that FC Barcelona has been undertaking for a week, the team is well within its defenders, but De Jong has nevertheless been placed in that defense as a substitute in the two exhibition games so far.
Tonight, in Las Vegas, he was allowed to come in after the break, just like last week against Inter Miami (6-0). The squad that started against Real Madrid was very much like coach Xavi Hernández’s favorite team, with Busquets, Gavi and Pedri in midfield and newcomer Lewandowski up front, accompanied by Ansu Fati and Raphinha; the latter scored the only goal with a beautiful long shot.
Newcomer in midfield
In the second half, when a large part of the starting team was replaced, the midfield was for Nico, Sergi Roberto and Kessié who had come over from AC Milan. For De Jong, Xavi once again had a place at the heart of the defence, first on the left, later on the right, where the Dutchman showed himself ambitious and fast and pushed a lot forward, but also occasionally lost a dangerous ball.
But when it comes to occupying those positions at the back when the serious games start, the Catalan coach is spoiled for choice. Veteran Piqué has already been told that after fourteen years, he is no longer the number one; Xavi goes for the younger generation: Ronald Araujo, Eric García and Andreas Christensen from Chelsea. There doesn’t seem to be much room for De Jong between them.
Double Occupancy
FC Barcelona will play two more games in the United States, in which more will become clear about Xavi’s intentions. “The idea is to have two players per position,” was the little he wanted to say after the win over Real Madrid. In that regard, there is still room for Memphis Depay, who twice replaced the left winger after the break. Sergiño Dest also participated in the two matches in his trusted right back position.
Xavi’s remarkable attitude towards Frenkie de Jong, who he has always regarded as one of the best midfielders, follows weeks of pressure from the board to get the Dutchman to Manchester United. The clubs have already agreed on a transfer, but De Jong refuses to leave. He has five weeks left, when the transfer window closes at the end of August, to learn more about Xavi’s real plans for him.
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