He seeks to vindicate himself! De Jong adds his first goal and assist of the season for Barça

If there is a player who is being notably questioned this 2024-25 season at FC Barcelona, it is Frenkie de Jong. The native of Arkel is facing criticism, especially regarding his renewal, a topic that has generated considerable discontent in various sectors related to Barcelona.

Since his return from injury on October 1, Frenkie de Jong has not shown his best version on the field, which has led to widespread criticism from the Barcelona fans and possibly to having little space in Hansi Flick's starting eleven, who has already structured a solid midfield with Marc Casadó and Pedri González as the foundation of the game, now with Dani Olmo as an attacking midfielder.

However, the Dutchman seems determined to change his course and prove once again why he is one of the best midfielders in the world. It is known that, in full condition, he can achieve this without problems, being a key player in the midfield of Barcelona. In this sense, the former Ajax player took advantage of the opportunity given by the German coach to come into action in the match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca (1-5), corresponding to matchday 15 of the EA Sports League.

The decisive goal by Frenkie de Jong against RCD Mallorca

Indeed, Frenkie de Jong, who played only about 18 minutes against RCD Mallorca, had the chance to be decisive in a couple of actions that contributed to the resounding victory of Barcelona over the Mallorcans. Why? Because the Dutchman finished the match against the 'Pirates' with a goal and an assist that sealed the culé victory with an overwhelming score.

The '21' played a crucial role in the goal scored in the 79th minute, demonstrating a true exhibition of what it means to be a box-to-box midfielder, something that had not been seen from him in a long time. The goal came from his pressure in the midfield on a Mallorca player, who he pressured and managed to steal the ball from.

Subsequently, the ball reached the feet of Lamine Yamal, who initiated an offensive that culminated in a pass to the goal area for Pau Víctor, who could not effectively connect in the heart of the area with Raphinha. However, it was Frenkie de Jong who, as an arriving midfielder and without losing the sequence of the play, entered the area to take advantage of the 'ball' ineffectively cleared by the Mallorca defense and scored with an impressive left-footed shot.

Barcelona increases the lead to 3! pic.twitter.com/g6r1e7DRW6

— S Sport Plus (@ssportplustr) December 3, 2024

This goal is important to highlight; it is the first for Frenkie de Jong this 2024-25 season. Additionally, the Dutchman had not scored with FC Barcelona since February 24, 2024, in the 4-0 victory against Getafe CF in LaLiga 2023-24, marking the end of the goal drought for the '21' in the blaugrana jersey.

Frenkie de Jong also assisted...

Moreover, Frenkie de Jong had the opportunity to assist in another goal, the 1-5. On this occasion, after a loose ball in the area when Lamine Yamal could not get past two defenders with a dribble, the Dutchman did not waste the opportunity to send a cross from the right side into the center of the area, where Pau Víctor shot with his right foot, thus marking his first assist of the 2024-25 season.

With these actions, Frenkie de Jong probably had his best match so far this 2024-25 season. Playing in an unusual position for him, as an attacking midfielder, and wearing the captain's armband, he has settled any controversy and perhaps shown a light at the end of the tunnel suggesting that Barcelona might be on track to recover the best version of their Dutch midfielder.

The Dutchman's statements after the match against RCD Mallorca

Frenkie de Jong did not hesitate to assert in front of the Barça One microphones the importance of Barcelona achieving a result of this caliber to regain a positive dynamic. "It was very important to win to regain confidence; it has been very good for us, and although the important thing is the victory, doing it 1-5 in a difficult field like Mallorca's gives us confidence to move forward, but it is just one match and there is still a lot to go," warned the Dutchman.

To conclude his statement, the '21' spoke about the feelings he is experiencing after his return from the ankle injury and his gradual reintegration into playing time. "I have to be patient with everything there is; I know that is how it is, so I’m going to keep doing what I do, working, head down, and at some point we will see how it ends," concluded Frenkie.