FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and the club’s board have competing visions over the team’s midfield and Frenkie de Jong’s role in it, according to the latest rumors. De Jong recently reappeared for Barcelona as a substitute against Real Madrid, after a knee injury kept him out so far this season.
That knee injury is what reportedly didn’t sit well with the club’s top brass. He played the FIFA World Cup while hurt with the Netherlands, then turned down surgery afterwards. He was given a more conservative
treatment, and so far, it seems to have worked well, or at least well enough for him to return to the pitch.
While De Jong was out of action, Barcelona invested heavily in a midfielder, buying Rodri, widely considered one of the best midfielders in the world. With Pedri an undisputed starter, Barcelona also have Marc Bernal and Gavi in the rotation. Gavi is just 22 while Bernal is 19, and both are very highly rated by the club. The report says the club’s internal leadership wants them to be prioritized, not De Jong, who is 29.
However, Flick has shown a tendency to stick with De Jong. With Dani Olmo injured, Flick has shown he’s willing to play De Jong in a more advanced role, while in training he has also tried the Dutchman as a central defender. That suggests there is a role for De Jong as a central midfielder plus wildcard.
At the end of the day, the manager is who has final say over who plays. The club’s management, however, may still be looking to sell the player.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
What is Frenkie de Jong’s best role at Barcelona?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
