He played there against Mallorca
Could Frenkie de Jong have found his new position as a midfielder?
The Dutch midfielder is not having his best season as a Barça player, but against Mallorca he completed 18 minutes at a very good level in a more advanced position.
Hansi Flick may have found the key with Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman's level so far is not enough to be a starter, or even to be the first substitution. This has been clear in the last four Barça matches: the most he has played is 33 minutes. However, against Mallorca he came on in the 72nd minute, replacing Dani Olmo and positioning himself in the attacking midfield. In the little time he had, he managed to score one goal and assist another.
His defensive deficiencies, both in attitude and aptitude, make it very difficult for him to play in the double pivot. As a more distant midfielder it is unthinkable, since he does not adapt to the role of being the anchor of the midfield. Accompanied by someone more defensive he can form a good tandem, but always in a match context in which there is not much defending to do.
Frenkie de Jong as an attacking midfielder
Releasing the former Ajax player from defensive duties could be a very wise decision. Moving him forward to the attacking midfield, where he will have to filter key passes, move between the lines and take advantage of his ability to reach the area seems like a good bet. A small example of this took place against Mallorca, when De Jong scored a goal and gave an assist in 18 minutes. Now, however, in a Barça that is launched into attack and with the game already decided. It is not a context from which conclusions can be drawn, although there are indications of what could be a change of trend.
The problem with placing him as an attacking midfielder is that it nullifies one of his great virtues, which is ball control as a way of breaking lines. We saw in his time in the Netherlands that Frenkie likes to receive the ball in the defensive zone and take it close to his foot to the danger zone. In the position of '10' he would not have the possibility of making such plays, but he could apply other virtues that he has. The balance of advantages and disadvantages seems to be quite favourable to advancing his area of action. As always, it is in Flick's hands.
