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Barcelona are not using De Jong in his best position

By Chiranjib Ghosh

DORTMUND, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 17: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at Signal Iduna Park on September 17, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 17: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at Signal Iduna Park on September 17, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona seem to have forgotten why De Jong was signed in the first place

Sergio Busquets’ performance in the first-half against Borussia Dortmund was living proof of his slow decline. The Barcelona vice-captain was simply ineffective, and lost possession. Frenkie de Jong took his place later in the game, and did wonders.

The Netherlands international has recently come under fire for his slow adaptation to the Barça style of play. But he silenced his critics with a goal and an assist apiece in the 5-2 win over Valencia, and really impressed as a holding midfielder against Dortmund.

De Jong was unafraid to go in for the slide tackle, and dispossessed several Dortmund players in their own half. He also combined with Lionel Messi, which is always a good sign. The former Ajax man also attempted some quality diagonal balls to the full-backs.

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Whereas, in the first-half, he had little impact playing as a conventional playmaker alongside Arthur. Ernesto Valverde has forgotten why De Jong was brought in in the first place, to succeed Sergio Busquets as the primary defensive midfielder in the first-team.

That is where the Dutchman belongs, and he feels very natural in that position. Busquets’ career at the top is reaching its end, and so is Rakitić’s. Barça need someone to take charge of the midfield in terms of defensive responsibilities, and De Jong is the man for that.

Arthur’s performance against Dortmund showed that he has matured a lot. His set-piece ability sets him apart from other midfielders, and his composure under pressure shows that he has the potential to become the next Xavi.

Next. Barça and Dortmund fight out bitter goalless stalemate. dark

But De Jong needs to play more regularly as a defensive midfielder if he really is to bloom. His skill-set makes him a perfect successor to Busquets, and it is time for Valverde to recognise that. In the next game against Granada, De Jong should start in a holding role.