The Return of the Best Frenkie de Jong: Dominance, Class, and Superstar Numbers Against Dortmund

The match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund was, without a doubt, a true ode to football by the Barça team, who mercilessly thrashed Niko Kovač's team with a resounding 4-0. A result that practically seals the 'Culés' passage to the 'semis' of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, pending what happens in the return match, next Tuesday, April 15, at the imposing Signal Iduna Park.

Although the day was marked by the recital of Barça's offensive trident, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha as protagonists in attack, they were not the only ones to shine on a magical night. A match in which it is very difficult to point out any 'Culé' player who was out of tune.

One of the key names of the match was the 27-year-old Dutch midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, who, now recovered from his injuries, has established himself as one of the starting pivots of FC Barcelona. Against Borussia Dortmund, the player from Arkel delivered a true 'masterclass' that confirms him as one of the team's silent leaders.

Control, intelligence, and character: this is how De Jong shone against Dortmund

And how not to highlight it, if Frenkie showed himself as a true all-rounder, absolute master of the midfield area. The '21' was committed to defensive tasks, did not hesitate to throw himself to the ground to cut plays, and also demonstrated remarkable tactical intelligence to recover possession and always offer a clean exit from the back.

In turn, his ability to organize the game from the center of the field, find the right pass, offer himself as a free man, or drive the ball breaking rival lines was simply outstanding. An ideal complement for Pedri González in midfield.

Statistics that speak: De Jong, unstoppable against Dortmund

And this is not mere rhetoric: Frenkie de Jong's performance against the German team is also supported by the data. In the 90 minutes he was on the field, the Dutchman signed some statistical records that recall his best version, the one that everyone in Barcelona wants to see constantly.

Frenkie de Jong Statistics vs. Borussia Dortmund (4-0)

• ⏱️ Minutes played: 90
• 🎯 Completed passes: 68/70 (97% accuracy)
• 📈 Touches: 80
• 📊 Completed long balls: 2/2
• ⚔️ Duels won (ground): 4/5
• 🪂 Aerial duels won: 1/1
• 🛡️ Tackles made: 3
• 🚫 Interceptions: 2
• ❌ Clearances: 1
• ❌ Balls lost: 3
• 📉 Fouls committed: 1
• ✔️ Fouls received: 1
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Without a doubt, another of the great merits of Hansi Flick, who, despite all the doubts and storms that have surrounded the figure of Frenkie de Jong —he started the season injured and with many uncertainties—, has bet on him without hesitation. The German coach has managed to integrate him into his sports project, offering him a context that enhances his virtues and in which the Dutchman, finally, seems to feel completely comfortable.