Out-of-favor Barcelona midfielder arguably had his toughest year yet | OneFootball

Each new year brings new challenges for FC Barcelona, but the past must always be kept in mind. It is only through mistakes made previously that the club can be sure not to make them again. However, the past can also determine someone’s future at a top club like Barcelona.

If a player fails to perform at the level expected of them over the course of any given year, it is sure to bring unwanted rumors and a possible exit as well at some point. Unfortunately for a certain Barcelona midfielder, 2024 was undoubtedly one of his lowest points.

As highlighted by SPORT, Dutch player Frenkie de Jong saw this year as one of his worst ever. Despite starting off on a good note under the mentorship of Xavi Hernandez in the second half of last season, everything seems to have gone downhill since March of this year.

First came his ankle injury against Athletic Club, and that kept him sidelined for four games. Then, not too long after that, he was injured in the El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. This time around, however, De Jong was sidelined for much longer and put in a much more complicated place.

His lack of continuity with the Dutch National team also did not help matters. While Ronald Koeman would have liked to have the Barcelona midfielder at his disposal, the 27-year-old former Ajax star was unable to recover fully and was even sent back early from international duty at one point.

Since then, there has been a lot of noise about his contractual situation as well. The lack of negotiations coupled with the visible frustration of the fans as well has made it clear that De Jong’s rather rocky stay at Barcelona is possibly reaching an all-time low.

Now, with Hansi Flick reportedly no longer seeing him as a key player in his squad, things are tense for the Dutchman. Despite earlier reports suggesting that the German coach was fully ready to back De Jong and see him reach his best level again, perhaps recent outings have shown him otherwise.

With only 362 minutes played across 13 games this season, and only two starts so far, the Dutchman’s current campaign at Barcelona has been underwhelming. However, with 2025 fast approaching, perhaps he will need to redeem himself to the best of his abilities.