Barça’s last two victories against Naples and Atlético, while also playing well, allowed a debate to be opened in the Barça environment regarding Frenkie de Jong, a footballer of undeniable hierarchy but who, according to his critics, influences less than he should. in the team. Despite being the undisputed starter, Xavi’s team did not miss him in these two games and that opens the door to exploring the numbers with and without Frenkie de Jong this season. With the Dutchman, Barça has played 27 games, of which they have won 17 (62.9%). Without him, the Blaugrana have won ten of the fifteen they have played (66.6%). The difference widens even in the League. With De Jong, 63% victories. Without it, 70%. Cold statistics indicate that, with or without De Jong, the numbers are similar.
De Jong, in addition, has played all four of Barça’s dramatic games this season: the blows at home against Girona (2-4) and Villarreal (3-5); Madrid’s defeat in the Super Cup final in Riyadh (4-1). And, finally, the defeat in extra time of the Cup quarterfinals in San Mamés (4-2). At the club there is no doubt about the Dutchman’s football ability. What is discussed is whether his presence justifies a very high salary that would force him to be one of the franchise players. Many voices, also within the club, ‘demand’ from De Jong much more leadership when it is his turn to play. A capacity for rebellion and for dragging teammates through difficult days that he has not yet demonstrated. In his fifth season as a Barça player, and in his capacity as fourth captain, there are those who have grown tired of waiting for the footballer who, at Ajax, aimed to dominate the midfield of any great team in Europe. De Jong plays correctly, but rarely in a captivating and exciting way.
He’s also not a numbers player. He has scored two goals and has not given a single assist all season, although that also has to do with the position in which he has acted. Xavi uses the Dutchman in a back position in the double pivot and gives him the responsibility of moving the ball to more advanced positions. Ultimately, it is Frenkie de Jong’s great value: breaking lines in driving. In the last meters, when the spaces are reduced, he has more creativity problems and is usually much more predictable than, for example, Pedri and Gündogan. De Jong has been injured twice this season. First, he suffered a distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in his right ankle in the League match against Celta at the Lluís Companys. In the League match against Athletic in San Mamés he also sprained his right ankle. Beyond the debate generated by his play, his presence against PSG seems essential to help Christensen and Gündogan in the wide zone. However, the coaching staff was very satisfied with the two great games that Sergi Roberto played against Naples and Atlético.
De Jong has the key to his future. Barça would not mind selling him if a great offer arrived. For now, however, the footballer has always seemed happy in Barcelona and has closed the door to a transfer. The fourth captain even raged at journalists in the press room at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. “I’m pissed off (…). Aren’t you ashamed? You are saying things that are not true; “I’m getting a little irritated,” he reproached them after the leak of his high salary (“45 million I read; that’s very far from what I earn”, the highest on the staff according to some information. Perhaps, about his performance From now until the end of the season, the analysis of Barça’s sports management may depend. The big games arrive; and De Jong, due to cachet, salary and hierarchy, has to show his face.
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2024-03-28 04:19:37
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