De Jong, the insubstantial favorite

Barcelona fans in full and the world of football applauded the signing of Frenkie de Jong two years ago, who joined Barcelona last July. The Dutch midfielder, who was 22 when he switched from Ajax to the Blaugrana club, was one of the most sought-after young players on the market and with his hiring it seemed that Barcelona was acquiring the key piece to rebuild its midfield. So, despite the price, Barça paid 85 million euros for him in a bid with Paris Saint-Germain, the signing seemed a success.

However, De Jong does not start despite the fact that opportunities have not been lacking. It has been indisputable with all its technicians. He started as a starter with Valverde, Setién kept him and for Koeman he is untouchable as evidenced by the fact that He is the player with the most minutes of the squad in LaLiga. He has played the 10 games played so far, totaling 890 minutes.

In the Champions League, its importance is the same for the coach who has lined up his compatriot in five of the six games played. He only rested to save himself the trip to Kiev to rest.

In return, its performance has been disappointing. In these fifteen games of the course he has only given one assist in the Champions League debut against Ferencvaros. Some numbers that do not improve those of last season. In his year of supposed adaptation, De Jong played 29 league games (which he missed due to injury) and the 9 Champions League with a baggage of two goals and two assists.

Against Juventus in the last Barcelona shipwreck, his contribution was again depressing. Insubstantial in attack without giving a deep pass or a long pass. He gave 92 good passes, but with an official spirit that does not justify what was paid for him or his status as the coach's favorite. Of course, it was renewed on October 20 until 2026.