Frenkie De Jong's return provides much-needed boost for depleted Barcelona first team
- Prized Barcelona player Frenkie De Jong made his long-awaited season debut, coming on as a sub in Barcelona's 5-0 route of Young Boys on Tuesday.
- Following a five-month absence due to three separate injuries to the same ankle, De Jong's return immediately enhances Barca's prowess in the midfield.
By Rohan Borges
Frenkie De Jong makes debut during Barcelona's 5-0 win over Young Boys
It's been a strenuous road to recovery for Frenkie De Jong. The 27-year-old midfielder had been sidelined for five months, forced to miss the 2024 Euros after reaggravating his ankle injury during an El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid back in April. Reports of friction between the player and the Barcelona brass started to gain traction as fans grew frustrated with the absence of a timeline for his return.
Fast forward to the present, and De Jong's injury is seemingly in the rearview mirror as the midfielder aims to integrate with Barcelona's high-powered attack, which has been firing on all cylinders to begin the season.
Head coach Hansi Flick might be the only person more thrilled than De Jong himself to see the Dutchman's return. Flick has faced a depleted squad in the season's early stages, with injuries to key players such as Dani Olmo, Fermin, and Gavi severely limiting his options.
"It’s very good news to have him back in the team, even if it’s only for 5 or 10 minutes at the start, Flick said ahead of De Jong's debut, where he ultimately played for that expected duration.
"We had injuries and after October we’ll have three players back. It will be very good for the team [and] for the youngsters"
- Hansi Flick
The Dutchman's return to the pitch signals a significant upgrade for Barcelona, particularly as the club faces building pressure to balance expectations in La Liga and the Champions League. De Jong's blend of vision, ball control, and defensive instincts is rare today, and his ability to dictate the game's tempo will add another dimension of playmaking to Barca's attack.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have borne the brunt of the facilitating responsibilities in Hansi Flick's new system, but De Jong's intelligence offers an alternative central playmaking outlet for the Blaugrana.
Fellow midfielders Dani Olmo, Fermin, and Gavi are each in line for a return after the international break. Until then, Barcelona will suffice with the return of De Jong, who is motivated to remind Culers why he is one of the premier midfield options in the world.