Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona player
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Barcelona’s recent defeats against PSG and Real Madrid have exposed an important weakness in Hansi Flick’s system.
While the Catalans remain dangerous going forward, the midfield has struggled to maintain control against opponents who press aggressively or disrupt their build-up play.
More specifically, the team has struggled against teams who go man-to-man in midfield.
According to SPORT, the return of Frenkie de Jong from injury could provide Flick with an important solution in big games.
The Dutchman’s availability creates the possibility for Flick to move away from his usual 4-2-3-1 formation towards a more traditional 4-3-3.
De Jong offers Barcelona greater midfield control
The 29-year-old made his first appearance of the season during Sunday’s Clasico, replacing Fermin Lopez in the 74th minute.
Interestingly, Flick deployed him as an attacking midfielder, keeping Rodri and Pedri together in the double pivot.
Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong looked sharp during his cameo against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Despite playing in an advanced role, De Jong looked comfortable receiving possession under pressure and driving forward.
He completed 17 out of his 19 passes, registered 22 touches and added some much-needed energy to Barcelona’s midfield.
“It feels a little different, but I’m a midfielder and it was good to play in midfield. It was good to get my first minutes,” he said afterwards.
Flick could consider a midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and De Jong
The tactical implications are obvious. With Fermin or Dani Olmo operating behind a striker, Barcelona often resemble a 4-2-4 because both players push forward.
De Jong offers something completely different. His ability to retain possession, carry the ball through pressure and add another body to midfield could stop Barça from feeling stretched.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona
Barcelona could return to a 4-3-3 with Pedri and Frenkie. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
A midfield trio of Pedri, Rodri and De Jong would see Barcelona dominate much of the ball, but Flick will have to sacrifice some of the attacking impetus that Fermin brings.
Barcelona could also line up in a classic 4-3-3 with Rodri as the number six and Pedri and De Jong operating as the interiors.
Competition for minutes in Barça‘s midfield remains immense, with Gavi and Marc Bernal also pushing for more opportunities.
The return of Barcelona’s captain is not just about recovering an experienced player. He can change the dynamic of the midfield for Hansi Flick.
The challenge would be to accommodate Frenkie without sacrificing much of the attacking quality, and it remains to be seen how Flick goes about it.
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona player
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona player