FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is being evaluated for a defensive role in Hansi Flick’s squad as he nears a return from a knee injury, Spanish media outlets reported.
Flick Considers Defensive Shift During Midfield Crunch
Despite his absence, Flick’s side has won every match in the new campaign, including a 3-0 victory over Getafe. With Pedri, Rodri, Gavi, and Marc Bernal anchoring the center of the pitch, both Cadena SER and Sport report that Flick has deployed De Jong as a central defender in recent training sessions to accommodate the crowded midfield.
🎙️ Frenkie de Jong on his relationship with the Hansi Flick:🗣️: “My relationship with Hansi Flick is very good. We speak a lot. It is absolutely false to say that our relationship is bad.” pic.twitter.com/tU2NQwaNtj
Pau Cubarsí remains an undisputed starter in central defense, but the position alongside him could be filled by the Netherlands international, who typically competes with Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martín for a spot in the backline. De Jong is an option to return to the matchday squad as early as the upcoming weekend, though the midweek UEFA Champions League fixture against Galatasaray comes too soon.
Tactical Competition and Midfield Hierarchy
Analyzing the squad dynamics on Ziggo Sport, former Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz noted that the arrival of Rodri has reshaped Barcelona’s midfield structure. “As long as Rodri is present, that will be Rodri’s position, I think,” Boulahrouz said, describing him as an undisputed starter and a top defensive midfielder. Boulahrouz added that Dani Olmo and Fermín López generally occupy the more advanced midfield roles under Flick.
That leaves De Jong competing directly with Pedri for a box-to-box role alongside Rodri. “That will be a wrestling match between Pedri and Frenkie,” Boulahrouz said, characterizing De Jong as a primary build-up connector who is important in both possession and defensive transitions, whereas Pedri focuses more on supplying the attackers.
Transfer Monitoring Amid Contract and Injury Context
While recovering from his knee injury, De Jong has also drawn external attention. Sport reported that Premier League club Chelsea is monitoring the player’s situation with a view toward a potential winter move if his playing time diminishes, viewing him as a prospective successor to Enzo Fernández. Other top European clubs are also following developments as the 29-year-old enters a crucial phase marked by heightened competition, his recovery timeline, and his contract status at Camp Nou.
