One member of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad stepped up with a starring performance at the perfect time on Tuesday.
The player in question? Frenkie de Jong.
Midfielder De Jong was for his part forced to make do with a place on the bench once more this evening, as Barcelona made the trip to Son Moix for a La Liga meeting with RCD Mallorca.
This comes amid a wave of criticism being aimed in the direction of the Dutchman, for his recent performances in the colours of the Blaugrana.
With a little over 15 minutes remaining in proceedings this evening, though, and with his side in possession of a slender one-goal advantage, De Jong was introduced to the fray.
And what an impact he went on to enjoy…
After Barca added to their lead through Raphinha mere minutes on from De Jong stepping onto the pitch, the midfielder added a goal of his own, before laying on an assist for Pau Víctor, too.
And just like that, the Blaugrana found themselves 5-1 up, and cruising towards a much-needed return to winning ways.
At a pivotal moment in his career in Catalunya’s capital, De Jong needed to provide a reminder to his widespread critics of his talents when fully fit and firing.
And tonight, at Son Moix, the former Ajax man conjured up precisely that.
Conor Laird – GSFN