Hansi Flick’s tactical brilliance has given €45 million-rated Barcelona midfielder a new lease of life | OneFootball

Frenkie de Jong’s position in Barcelona’s starting lineup has been uncertain for some time, largely due to the consistent performances of Marc Casado.

However, over the last few weeks, the Dutch midfielder’s situation has begun to shift for the better.

Hansi Flick rewarded de Jong with a starting spot against Atalanta, and in their La Liga match against Alaves, de Jong played the entire second half, marking a noticeable turning point.

After the match, his impact was widely praised, with Alaves’ coach acknowledging how de Jong’s presence helped unlock the team’s attacking options. Even Flick highlighted de Jong’s growth, particularly in recent performances.

What caused the change?

Frenkie de Jong came on as a substitute against Alaves. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

To fully understand how de Jong has regained his form, it’s important to consider several factors. One key reason for his improvement has been a change in position.

Flick initially positioned de Jong as a playmaker, a move likely intended to protect him. This position allowed de Jong to be less involved in defensive duties and gave him more freedom, away from heavy physical contact.

So by playing him further up the pitch, Flick allowed de Jong to build confidence without exposing him too much to direct challenges.

However, the midfielder never truly felt at ease in a role that required him to play with his back to the game, which limited his involvement. Over time, de Jong has become an alternative to Casado, and he is gradually been earning more time on the pitch.

Changing the course

Frenkie de Jong changed the course for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Interestingly, in Barcelona’s dominant 7-1 victory against Valencia, both de Jong and Casado featured together. That match highlighted the potential for both players to co-exist on the field.

De Jong took over Pedri’s position, a role that suits him perfectly as it gives him a clearer view of the game while allowing him to be more dynamic in his movement.

Against Alaves, de Jong replaced Casado at halftime and completely changed the pace of the match. In just over 45 minutes, he completed 41 passes with 100% accuracy, while also winning all his duels.

His performance raised an important question: which of the two midfielders—De Jong or Casado—will be the preferred starter for the high-profile matches later in the season?

In his last five appearances, de Jong has played 331 minutes, starting three times, and it’s clear that his redemption is well underway.

Just a few weeks ago, de Jong was facing criticism, but now his performances are earning him praise. With his ankle discomfort now behind him, Frenkie de Jong’s return to form is one of Barcelona’s most encouraging stories.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.