Frenkie de Jong can play almost anywhere. He’s played four positions in the past few weeks and done a good job at each. Considered to be out in the cold and on the exit ramp again, De Jong instead found his name being called by manager Hansi Flick. Each time, he has responded.
De Jong’s natural position in Flick’s scheme is as a central midfielder, but it’s hard to get into a midfield when there are two spots and Rodri, Pedri, Marc Bernal, and Gavi are in contention.
The Dutchman is coming off an injury
layoff during the FIFA World Cup that seemed to annoy FC Barcelona’s top brass. They thought he took too many risks for his country and were rumored to be looking to sell him. Buying Rodri, one of the best midfielders in the world, to compete with him in midfield seemed to show an intent to move on from De Jong.
But Flick has never let De Jong out of his mind when looking for answers. Against Real Madrid, De Jong played as an attacking midfielder when he came on, in part due to an injury to Dani Olmo. Injuries in defense played a part in making De Jong start as a center-back against Deportivo Alavés. He played his normal spot, central midfield, against Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League. And perhaps most surprisingly, De Jong played as a right-back against Atlético de Madrid.
With injuries to Jules Koundé, Eric Garcia, and Xavi Espart, Barcelona were light on full-backs. Youngster Brian Fariñas started the match. Flick went to De Jong as surprise move to sub him off, as Garcia was also available after recovering from his injury layoff. He later moved to central midfield again when Garcia came on.
De Jong does not have the blistering pace to be a prototypical world-class full-back. But he has a combination of attributes that let him succeed wherever he goes. He’s good on the ball and able to pick a pass, helping Barcelona build up. He’s good at anticipating and defending when deployed on the backline. It helps if the opponent does not possess a vertical threat to attack De Jong’s flank, as well.
The Dutchman is getting rave reviews not just for his quality, but humility and commitment in getting the job done no matter the situation. There’s a bigger question here though: Does De Jong claw back a starting job in Flick’s system? Or will he continue to be a wildcard who can plug in at almost any spot on the pitch, but always as a plan B?
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