Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has this week been urged to take into serious consideration his long-term future in Catalunya’s capital.
This comes after the Dutchman was tested in a surprise new role this past weekend.
Barcelona are of course fresh off a crucial three-point haul on Sunday, when they put Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid to the sword by two goals to one in Spain’s capital.
The aforementioned De Jong was forced to make do with a place on the bench at the Metropolitano, before ultimately being introduced during the 2nd-half.
Rather than in his favoured role in the middle of the park, though, the 29-year-old was asked to fill an unfamiliar position at right-back.
This is not the first time De Jong has been asked to take to the pitch in a changed role this season, having also recently filled in at the heart of defence.
And it is precisely these changes which have this week seen the former Ajax man urged to take into consideration a potential move away from the Camp Nou.
Speaking during an appearance on Ziggo Sport program Rondo (as cited by Diario Sport), ex-Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz made use of the opportunity to send some advice De Jong’s way:
“If I were Frenkie, I would start slowly thinking about what I want. They’re using him like a yo-yo. This time it was ten minutes, but next time they might say he’s already proven he can do it and that, if needed, he’ll play half an hour at right-back!”
Boulahrouz continued:
“Then you have to start asking yourself: is this what I want? He’s a midfielder, and that’s where he plays best. He could also play as a centre-back, but if now he has to move to right-back…”
Conor Laird – GSFN
