FC Barcelona are set to face CA Osasuna in La Liga at Camp Nou later today. After an excellent run of results in their last five league games, the Catalan club will be eager to extend their winning streak.
Much attention will focus on the XI that Flick selects for this crucial La Liga clash. The German manager has been experimenting in recent weeks, and it remains to be seen whether he will continue with the same approach.
At Sempre Barca, we believe Flick must start Frenkie de Jong against Osasuna, and it’s time for him to return to the starting line-up.
Frenkie last started against Chelsea, then missed the next two matches through illness. He was available for the following two games, against Real Betis and Eintracht Frankfurt, but Flick preferred to start Eric Garcia as the No. 6.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 05: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 05, 2025 in Seville, Spain.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
The German manager hinted ahead of the game that this was a selection decision rather than a fitness issue. Even so, the €45 million-rated Dutchman is a vital cog in this team and deserves to be back in the line-up against Osasuna.
Eric has been very good as the No. 6 in recent games, and with Flick opting for a 4-3-3 out of possession, Frenkie could be fielded alongside him in midfield. That would make Barcelona extremely strong in the centre of the park.
There are no doubts about Frenkie’s contribution or his suitability for this set-up. It is only a matter of time before he returns to the XI, and we hope that happens tonight against Osasuna.