‘Essential’ – Hansi Flick considers one Barcelona star his side’s ‘metronome’ | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick’s unwavering belief in the talents of a member of his midfield ranks has this week been reiterated.

The player in question? Frenkie de Jong.

Midfielder De Jong is for his part of course fresh off sitting out Barcelona’s most recent fixture.

Following the birth of his 2nd child, the Dutch international was afforded the day off on Saturday, as the Blaugrana made the trip to Valencia for a La Liga meeting with Levante.

And De Jong’s absence, during the first-half in particular, was sorely felt.

Without the usual level of control in their engine room setup with Pedri joined by Marc Casadó, Barca fell into a surprise two-goal hole.

And whilst his side ultimately recovered to secure all three points, the significance of as much was not at all lost on Hansi Flick.

As per a report from Diario Sport:

‘For the German coach, the Dutch pivot is essential, a kind of ‘metronome’ that catalyzes the team’s play.’

Conor Laird – GSFN