Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has seen his talents made use of in a new role during recent sessions at the club’s training ground. This comes amid the understanding that Hansi Flick is considering fielding the former Ajax man as a defender.
Dutchman De Jong is for his part yet to take to the pitch in any capacity this season. After suffering a serious knee injury at the World Cup, the 29-year-old has spent the months since undergoing conservative treatment.
The last week has seen De Jong take major strides forward in his recovery, though, now considered closer than ever to being medically cleared.
Upon finally receiving the green light from the Barcelona medical staff, however, the midfielder will have a major job on his hands in wrestling back a place in the club’s engine room setup.
With summer signing Rodri having now fully established himself in the Blaugrana’s XI, and Marc Bernal pushing hard for backup minutes, De Jong could find himself as the odd man out.
Still considered a key piece by manager Hansi Flick, room could therefore be made for the experienced Netherlands international elsewhere… As per a report from Barca insider Santi Ovalle, as cited by reporter Reshad Rahman on ‘X’:
‘Frenkie de Jong has been tested out as a centre-back in recent training sessions.’
Conor Laird – GSFN
