De Jong is not up to the task of wearing the FC Barcelona shirt

Before beginning with the reasoning behind this opinion, it is important for the reader to know that Frenkie de Jong is not a footballer that the author likes. He was excited about his arrival from Ajax, despite thinking that he was overpaid. He believed in him and his potential for quite some time, but the eternal promise is already 27 years old. The slowness with which he moves around the pitch is impermissible and is far from the demand that Flick asks for.

This season he is becoming outdated. With the arrival of new blood, seen in footballers such as Casadó or Bernal, added to what was already there, such as Pedri, Gavi or Fermín; the Arkel player is falling far behind. Also, his physical inconsistency makes it very difficult for him to be important in a club that wants to aspire to the top.

A story that already has a tail

The problem with Frenkie de Jong is not new. His lack of intensity has been noticeable for some time and was demonstrated again in the play that led to Celta's equaliser. You only have to compare 18-year-old Hector Fort with the Dutchman. While the younger player dives to the ground to block a shot, the midfielder opted to stay watching. On social media, this phenomenon is being described as the 'Bluetooth defence', a term invented to suit the Dutchman.

However, as indicated at the beginning of the previous paragraph, it is something that has been happening for some time. No one doubts the footballer's abilities, who has immense talent with the ball, amazing dribbling skills with which to break lines and very good vision of the game. The problem is that these qualities are often not applied correctly. Likewise, the lack of intensity only worsens his performance.

In addition, now we have to add that his ankle is in bad condition, an injury that he has publicly admitted worries him. He was called up to the Euros with the Netherlands, but ended up leaving the squad due to not being fit. He started the season in October, but his physical condition has not allowed him to finish a single match. Obviously, this is a misfortune that he suffers first hand, he is not criticising himself, but it also contributes to the fact that he cannot be counted on.

Problems in the offices

The fans' discontent with Frenkie's performance is only increasing. It is clear that the young players coming through the youth ranks are far better than the Dutchman's performance. Flick is confident that he can get the most out of the player, although the scenario seems highly unlikely.

On the other hand, the player's performances in the offices are not happy either. For months Barça have been trying to sit down with him to negotiate a contract renewal, but he has not given an answer. The Blaugrana club wants to avoid De Jong leaving as a free agent and, if possible, reduce the emoluments he receives. However, silence is the midfielder's position. Are these the attitudes that a captain represents? Is this the example that youngsters should follow? He is not up to the level of a club like FC Barcelona.