We In an intriguing development within Barcelona, a midfielder is facing the consequences of his Dutch teammate’s return to the starting lineup. De Jong’s resurgence in recent matches has seen him regain confidence and showcase his abilities, which led to his swift rise in importance within the team.
In a short time, the Dutch player has made a significant impact, emerging as a key figure in the squad and outperforming others in his position. According to Spanish newspaper “Marca,” Spanish midfielder Marc Casado has become the casualty of De Jong’s return to the starting lineup.
Casado has been pushed down the pecking order as De Jong took full advantage of the chances offered by German coach Hansi Flick. Within just two weeks, De Jong transformed into a central figure in the lineup after struggling for minutes previously.
Casado’s role in Flick’s plans has dwindled, as he was once considered a regular in the starting lineup. De Jong has featured in 4 of the last 5 matches, with the only exception being the game against Deportivo Alavés, where De Jong replaced Casado in the second half.
Reports indicate that Flick’s trust in De Jong has grown significantly, as the midfielder had only started 4 matches before January 26. De Jong’s relationship with Barça fans had been strained due to his delayed recovery from an ankle injury, but he has since turned the situation around and regained the respect of supporters.
So far this season, Frenkie has played 1,006 minutes for Barcelona, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist in 23 appearances across all competitions.
