Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has opened the door to the prospect of testing midfield star Frenkie de Jong in a deeper role at the heart of defence.
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, now considered close to being medically cleared.
The problem for the former Ajax man, though, is the competition awaiting him for a place in Barcelona’s engine room setup… After already seeing his starting status come under threat from youngster Marc Bernal, De Jong is now considered 2nd-choice, following the summer arrival of Rodri in Catalunya’s capital.
With Barca short on options at centre-back, it has in turn been murmured that the experienced Netherlands international could be tested in a new-look defensive role.
And drawn on the prospect of as much during a press conference on Friday, Hansi Flick refused to rule it out:
“Frenkie as a centre-back? We have several options in that position, and Frenkie de Jong is also capable of playing there.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
