Frenkie de Jong entered the Metropolitano pitch at half-time and immediately shifted into an unfamiliar right-back role during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Hansi Flick introduced the midfielder before later returning him to his customary central midfield position once Eric Garcia entered the match. Fermin Lopez scored twice to complete the second-half comeback for Barcelona.
Netherlands national team manager Xavi Hernandez expressed surprise at his former player’s defensive deployment under Hansi Flick. Speaking at a press conference covered by Mundo Deportivo stated that deploying De Jong at fullback does not match his own tactical plans for the Netherlands squad.
Yesterday against Atletico, De Jong played as a full-back. That’s not what I have in mind for him, although I did also play him as a centre-back at Barça,
Xavi said.
Despite questioning the tactical experiment, Xavi praised the midfielder’s versatility and standing within the sport. But what I’m certain of is that Frenkie is a top-class player who can play in any position – as a ‘6’, as an ‘8’ – he’s a top-class player,
Xavi added, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
The Dutch coach also dismissed suggestions that De Jong cannot partner with Joey Veerman in the national team setup, drawing comparisons to his own playing days alongside Andres Iniesta.
De Jong joins the Netherlands national team camp carrying renewed confidence following his recovery from recent injury problems. The Dutch squad currently leads Group A2 with eight points from four matches, sitting level with Greece and ahead of Germany, who have five points. Xavi’s squad will host Greece on November 13 before traveling to Berlin to face Germany three days later.
What position did Frenkie de Jong play against Atletico Madrid? Hansi Flick initially deployed him as a right-back at half-time before moving him back into central midfield. Fermin Lopez scored two goals to secure the 2-1 win.
Who does the Netherlands face next in the Nations League? The Dutch squad hosts Greece on November 13 and then travels to face Germany in Berlin three days later. The Netherlands currently leads Group A2 with eight points.
What did Xavi say about De Jong’s tactical versatility? Xavi stated that he views the midfielder as a top-class player suited for the ‘6’ or ‘8’ role rather than a fullback or central defender. He defended De Jong against public critics, noting that coaches and teammates recognize his true value.