There has been a significant shift in Barcelona’s team dynamics in midfield and defence lately, particularly revolving around Eric Garcia.
The former Man City starlet has performed masterfully in midfield alongside Pedri, as evidenced by his recent performance against CA Osasuna.
Garcia’s role in midfield once again came at the expense of Frenkie de Jong, who has struggled with health, family reasons, as well as performances.
De Jong to start against CD Guadalajara
It is evident that Garcia’s performances in midfield are putting pressure on Frenkie de Jong.
But the Dutchman will have a chance to prove himself when Barcelona take on CD Guadalajara in the Copa Del Rey’s Round of 32 tie, reports Mundo Deportivo.
It will be a welcome start for the Dutchman, who hasn’t started a single match for Barcelona since the end of November. He hasn’t started for Barcelona in the month of December at all.
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona star
De Jong will have a chance to prove himself against CD Guadalajara. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Therefore, the midfielder will face a litmus test against CD Guadalajara, although coach Hansi Flick will be mindful of the fact that Guadalajara are a lower-tier opponent.
Even then, if the Dutchman falters in this Copa Del Rey game, it won’t help him in his bid to replace Eric Garcia in midfield for the coming weeks.
It must be noted that Barcelona still have one more match remaining for the year, discounting the match against CD Guadalajara.
De Jong, to that end, would be keen on regaining his place in midfield alongside Pedri once again. But as things stand, Eric Garcia is the red-hot favourite to start in midfield once again against Villarreal next weekend.
So the onus will be on de Jong to make an impact when Barcelona take the field against CD Guadalajara.