The midfield was one of the areas that FC Barcelona were not really looking to reinforce during the last summer transfer window, but which they ended up strengthening with one of the best players in the world, Rodri Hernandez, because of a rare market opportunity.
The Spaniard has not needed a lot of time to lock himself down as a starter in Hansi Flick’s team, but his arrival raises questions about the role of another midfielder, Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman has not been able to play so far this season because of an injury he suffered during the World Cup, but [his return is imminent](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-midfielder-frenkie-de-jong-given-potential-return-date-by-hansi-flick/) and would provide Flick with another selection headache.
Meanwhile, as [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261024/1004242718/jong-no-quiero-acostumbrarme-suplente.html) has reported, the Dutch midfielder appeared in an interview with the former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart on Ziggo Sport and talked about his expectations with the Blaugrana team going forward. De Jong was quite confident he will get a place in Flick’s starting lineup:
**“I think I belong in that team too, and I feel I can play there. I don’t really mind who I play alongside.”**
The midfielder was not too comfortable with the idea of being a substitute:
**“No, and I don’t want to get used to that. But of course I understand the current situation, especially after being out for a long time. I know my return has to be gradual and that I won’t start matches straight away, but in the long run I want to play regularly. My aim is to get back into the starting eleven as soon as possible.”**
Frenkie also opened up on where he plays the best on the pitch:
**“I see myself playing more in the number six or number eight positions than as a number ten, where I can have more contact with the ball.”**
The Dutchman understood why he was being criticized but assured he will work hard to get back to his best level for Barcelona:
**“It’s always been like this: most of the criticism, or the fuss, arises when I’m absent, when I can’t play football. It happened again this time, and I completely understand where it comes from. I fully understand the fans: they see me playing for the national team and not for the club they support.”**
**“But of course I understand the current situation, especially after being out for a long time. I know my return has to be gradual and that I won’t start matches straight away, but in the long run I want to play regularly.”**
The Blaugrana midfielder revealed that he is ready to return to action, even against Real Madrid on Sunday:
**“I have an enormous desire to return. The summer was extremely difficult for me, both because of what happened at the World Cup and because of the injury I suffered afterwards. But now I’m back, I feel fit and strong, and I’m really looking forward to playing again. I’m also available to play a few minutes this Sunday.”**
Frenkie highlighted the Champions League as a trophy he is keen to win:
**“It’s something I still need to achieve in my career. It’s a very important goal, a dream and an ambition.”**
The Barcelona midfielder believed his Barcelona team has the quality to win the UCL this season:
**“I think we have a lot of quality, especially technically. Almost all the players have a very high level of technical ability, and that gives the team a great advantage.”**
Going forward, it remains to be seen what role Hansi Flick will give Frenkie de Jong once he is back to full fitness, with Rodri Hernandez and Pedri currently his fixed pairing in midfield. Still, there is no doubt the German coach will be happy to have another top-class midfielder at his disposal as the season is set to get only more difficult as weeks pass.