One of the most important talk points for Barcelona's 4-4 draw with Atletico Madrid was the absence of Marc Casado. The 21-year-old revelation was a fixture earlier in the season, but it confirmed the Ascension of Frenkie de Jong to the starting XI.
The Dutchman's shares have increased in recent weeks, and since the change of the year De Jong has been given more and more playing time. Manager Hansi Flick has praised and supported the 27-year-old with versions in various games.
In some corners he was also praised for his contributions against Atletico, in which he helped to spread the ball well, and played an important role in their comeback from two goals. MD was an outlet that did this and quoted its impressive figures from the collision: 99 Passen (the most completed from each player), 33 fits in the last third (second most) and eight balls recovered (second behind Pedri only).
On this occasion, however, it was less in love with this occasion. According to Marca, Flick took responsibility for the changes and acknowledges that they might not have been the ideal introductions. However, was more focused on the mistakes of the players on the field, and De Jong was one of the players who came under the microscope during his analysis.
Since the match on Tuesday, Flick de Jong has asked to be stronger in his defensive efforts, even though he is satisfied with his offer on the ball. This is especially the case when forming a pair with Pedri in midfield. During the second goal of Atletico there was a point at which the Jong Julian Alvarez could have polluted in the structure. In their third goal, Flick also felt that De Jong could have come closer to Angel Correa, nor had cut off the passing lane or won the ball.
Reports in the local press say that Flick has been one of De Jong's backers in Canca and apparently believes that the club should watch to renew his deal. De Jong has been heavily criticized in recent seasons and there is plenty of doubt about his future.
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