Barcelona’s record without De Jong under Flick and why it does not paint the full picture – Opinion | OneFootball

At first glance, Barcelona’s record without Frenkie de Jong under Hansi Flick looks more than respectable.

Winning 25 of 32 matches, drawing one and losing six would be considered an excellent return for most clubs.

However, Barcelona are not most clubs.

Success at Barça is measured differently. It is not just about winning games, but about controlling them, maintaining consistency and competing for every major trophy.

When viewed through that lens, these numbers also tell a different story, one that highlights just how important De Jong has become to Flick’s side.

The numbers only tell part of the story

A win percentage of around 78% is solid, yet it still represents a drop from the standards Barcelona aim to maintain when their strongest team are available.

More importantly, the statistics do not capture the performances themselves. Without De Jong, Barcelona often lose their natural rhythm in midfield.

Few players in world football are as comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, carrying it through the first line of the press and dictating the tempo of a match.

Those qualities cannot simply be replaced by asking another midfielder to play the same role. That is why his absence tends to affect the team beyond the individual position he occupies.

Barcelona may still continue to win games, especially against comparatively lesser opposition, but the margins become finer.

Build-up play becomes less fluid, transitions are less controlled and the midfield can lack the calm presence that De Jong consistently provides.

Coaches value players who make everyone around them better, and De Jong belongs firmly in that category.

Barça can cope without him, but they are not the same team

There is also an important psychological factor.

As captain, De Jong brings leadership that is difficult to measure with statistics alone. His experience, composure and willingness to take responsibility often help Barcelona regain control during difficult moments.

De Jong’s absence will be felt by Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The current pre-season has only reinforced that reality.

With De Jong recovering from injury, Flick has been forced to evaluate other midfield options, including promising youngsters, but replacing one of the world’s most complete midfielders was never going to be straightforward.

While one player’s absence is undoubtedly another player’s opportunity, and someone like Tommy Marques or Brian Farinas can put his hand up as an option for that position, Frenkie’s absence will undoubtedly be felt.

None of this is to suggest Barcelona cannot win without him. The record proves they can.

However, as things stand, Flick’s best version of Barça is one with De Jong in it.

Opportunities for Bernal and Gavi

Both Marc Bernal and Gavi are first-team players capable of playing in that position, and they will be keen to impress Flick and get their chance.

With the Dutchman set to be out of action for a significant period, whoever among Bernal and Gavi makes a better impression could get an extended starting role.

Although Gavi is older and the senior player in the first team, Bernal is a more natural holding midfielder, which could give him an edge.

Twenty-five wins from 32 matches is a respectable record in isolation. However, it masks just how much the Catalan club miss their captain.

Only time will tell whether Barça can reach their highest level in De Jong’s absence in the upcoming 2026-27 season.