Three takeaways from Barcelona’s 1-0 win over AC Milan
![Milan's Belgian midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers (L) fights for the ball with Barcelona's Spanish forward Ansu Fati during a pre-season friendly football match between AC Milan and FC Barcelona, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 1, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) Milan's Belgian midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers (L) fights for the ball with Barcelona's Spanish forward Ansu Fati during a pre-season friendly football match between AC Milan and FC Barcelona, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 1, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8c322dec35ea91e0df19db0caf76b73a8a9378b9110304a66d763f9753c605d3.jpg)
Frenkie de Jong is the key to success this year
It’s crazy to think that Frenkie de Jong was almost forced out of the club last year amid interest from Manchester United. 12 months later he’s been named a captain of the La Liga champions.
Now with Busquets having moved to Miami to play out his twilight years, De Jong is going to be the key in the engine room, and early signs point to him doing a fine job.
He’s only played sparingly with Oriol Romeu, but the early results have been impressive. De Jong is a well-rounded midfielder who possesses nearly every skill you’d want.
He’s tenacious in defence and wins the ball back well. He maintains possession but also breaks the lines with his dribbling and passing. His positioning is exceptional and he has the versatility to play a number of positions.
If there is one area where he needs to improve, it’s when he gets into the opposition box. He’s sometimes too unselfish and passes when a shot on target is the preferable option.
If Barcelona want to achieve their goals, Frenkie will need to be at his best.