Frenkie de Jong is a key player for Ronald Koeman at Barcelona, but it seems the 23-year-old wants to return to his preferred central midfield role after a spell at centre-back.
De Jong is happy to fill in wherever the team needs him, but he hasn't hesitated about expressing his desire to play in midfield, which could cause a headache for Koeman.
"I prefer playing in central midfield, but if it is best for the team that I play at the back or in another position, I'll do it," De Jong told reporters after Barcelona's 1-0 win against Real Valladolid on Monday night.
"We changed the system today and I've played in many positions."
De Jong began Monday night's game at centre-back before being moved into midfield, while he popped up on the right flank to assist Ousmane Dembele's winning goal.
The former Ajax player is comfortable wherever he plays, but he knows he can be most effective in his natural position of central midfield.
This raises the question about where De Jong will play against Real Madrid on Saturday, a game which he is certain to start.
The return of Gerard Pique could mean he is no longer needed in defence, so he may move forward to join Sergio Busquets and Pedri in midfield to help combat Los Blancos' strength in the middle of the park.
That would mean, then, that one of Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann would have to make way, and the obvious candidate is the latter.
The former Atletico Madrid player may be sacrificed and held back as a super sub; a 120 million euro super sub.
ishti
629
Did you know:- Barcelona also has a player called Coutinho.
RichCapone
593
Koeman don’t disappoint us like you did against PSG we don’t need Roberto and Pique in this match, don’t make this mistake again please someone should talk to him on behalf of Barca fans
Đhibic2003
584
Frenkie played 4 different positions last night. He started the game as a CB, then played as a CDM, then as an AMF, and in the dying minutes he played as a RB just as Dest was taken out. Unreal versatility.
josephjayjay
428
"Don't worry Leo, I'll pay for that miss"
_lledox_
228
I hope koeman doesn't make the same mistake he made against PSG, it would be dissapointing to see him do that, he should go with this lineup, forca barça ❤️💙
_IDontknow_
140
thanks seville....😂😂
Rehadiksy
137
It was wrong for Koeman to play De Jong at central back instead of midfield. Koeman's problem has been"fixture" ie who plays where and how? You will agree with me that barca lost. 1- 4 at home due to wrong fixture. Hence the likes of Dest and Firpo shouldn't have played that game. Needless to talk about pique who was nursing an injury. Although Koeman will never see anything wrong with Dest because he's willing to take take defeat with him than without. You noticed how Mbappe quickly discovered his (Dest) weakness and cashed on the opportunity to destroy barca. Will he repeat it with Real Madrid?