Frankie de Jong’s surprise deployment as a right-back against Atletico de Madrid has impressed his former manager Xavi Hernandez, who believes the Barcelona midfielder is capable of operating effectively in almost any position.
The Netherlands international started the top-of-the-table match on the right side of defence before moving into midfield for the closing stages. The tactical decision was one of several innovations introduced by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and attracted particular attention because of De Jong’s usual role in the centre of the pitch.
De Jong had already caught the eye during the 1-2 match involving Wimbledon, when he came on as a second-half substitute. His performance against Atletico de Madrid, however, provided a further example of his versatility, with the player initially filling in at right-back before returning to midfield.
Xavi, now manager of the Netherlands and previously in charge of Barcelona, was asked about the unusual assignment during a news conference. He admitted that De Jong’s position was unexpected, while also recalling that he had used the player in defence during his time at the Catalan club.
“Yesterday against Atletico, De Jong played as a full-back. That is not what I planned, although I also used him as a centre-back at Barcelona,” Xavi said.
“But what I am sure of is that Frenkie is a top-level player who can play in any position, whether as a holding midfielder or as a central midfielder. He is a top-level player.”
Those comments underline the qualities that have made De Jong such a flexible option. He has played as a number six, a central midfielder and a centre-back, and Flick has now shown that he can also be trusted to cover the right flank without losing his influence on the game.
Netherlands prepare for two important fixtures
De Jong has since joined the Netherlands squad, with the team currently top of Group B in the UEFA Nations League. The Netherlands have eight points from a possible 12 and face a demanding pair of fixtures during the international break.
Greece, who also have eight points, visit the Netherlands on Friday. The Dutch then travel to face Germany on Monday, with Germany currently on five points.
Flick’s decision against Atletico was more than a forced change, according to the assessment surrounding the match. De Jong was used first to provide security on the right, before moving back into midfield as Barcelona sought control during the decisive stages.
For Xavi, the experiment is another demonstration of a player whose ability is not restricted by one position. At Barcelona, the question now is whether Flick has identified a genuine new role for De Jong or simply found a temporary solution during an unusual night at the Metropolitano.
