Law. at 04:46
IT IS
The Dutchman repeated as a centre-back against Juventus and was somewhat unfocused at first; third substitution in three games in the United States
In this North American tour, he did not play a minute in the center of the field
These haven’t been the nicest weeks for Frenkie de Jong since joining Barca. The Dutch player, who sounds like a possible sale for a long time, sees how Xavi only places him as a centre-back in this pre-season. In reality, In the three friendlies played so far on North American soil, he hasn’t played a single minute in midfield. Against Juventus in Dallas, he jumped onto the pitch again at half-time and did so to act in the center of defense.
During the break, the Terrassa coach made an aside with the Ajax-trained player. He gave him directions and took his time for Frenkie to correct certain movements… as a central defender. While waiting for Koundé and Azpilicueta and with Ronald Araujo out of the squad (and Pique not being 100%), De Jong was once again forced to defend. With Christensen first and accompanying Pique later.
shaky start
The truth is that his first actions were not particularly successful. Shortly after the start of the second half, general empathy from the defense (including De Jong, who tries to push back and leaves the ball dead) and a draw (2-2) from Kean. Shortly after, a serious loss as the ball exited the the former Ajax player finished with a clear chance that Iñaki Peña took the best he could. From this moment, with ‘Geri’ at his side, a calmer stretch. Calmer. With a more positional game, the Dutch suffered much less and took the ball with discretion.
It’s not the first time (and probably not the last) that Frenkie has seen himself in this situation. During his final season at Ajax, Ten Hag repeatedly used him as a closure. With this fine and elegant ball outlet. These readers break the lines. In the face of any loss, he’s a perfect joker. But not from there see nothing in kernel (it’s true that there is currently overcrowding) and to be a substitute in the three games played in the USA…