Barcelona coach Hansi Flick finds himself in a luxurious position when it comes to choosing his defensive midfielder. Recently, Frenkie de Jong has been getting a lot of playing time again, after Marc Casadó was often preferred earlier.
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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has openly praised Frenkie de Jong’s recent development as the Catalan giants prepare for a crucial La Liga showdown against Real Sociedad this Sunday, March 2, at 16:15 at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc.
Flick’s positive comments come at a time when De Jong’s role in the team has been under close scrutiny, with the Dutch midfielder alternating between being a regular starter and occasionally seeing his spot occupied by young talent Marc Casadó.
Speaking at Saturday’s press conference, Flick acknowledged De Jong’s impressive progress over the past few weeks, highlighting how the former Ajax star has been increasingly influential in Barcelona’s possession play. “Frenkie has made significant progress over the past month,” Flick said. “He’s really stamping his authority when we have the ball, and that’s crucial for the way we want to play.” Flick went on to emphasize that De Jong’s creative influence and composure under pressure have been vital assets during a demanding run of fixtures.
At the same time, Flick took a moment to recognize the contribution of 20-year-old Marc Casadó, who has been a surprise inclusion in several key matches this season. The young midfielder, who came through La Masia, has earned Flick’s trust with his defensive solidity and tactical discipline. “Marc has shown his value from a defensive perspective,” Flick explained. “He’s still very young, and there’s a lot of room for him to grow, but he’s already proving himself at the top level. This is only his first season in the first team, and to be competing for a starting spot at this stage is remarkable. He can be proud of what he’s achieved so far.”
De Jong’s workload has been heavy lately, playing the full ninety minutes in Tuesday’s thrilling Copa del Rey quarter-final against Atlético Madrid a wild 4-4 draw that saw Barcelona edge through after a dramatic penalty shootout. That demanding encounter, combined with the congested fixture list ahead, could influence Flick’s selection for Sunday’s clash with Real Sociedad. The German coach hinted that rotation would be necessary to keep the squad fresh, especially with so many crucial games on the horizon. “This is the right moment to make some changes,” Flick said. “I will rotate the squad, but I’m not going to reveal who will come in or who will rest.”
The upcoming clash with Real Sociedad is anything but routine. Imanol Alguacil’s side is known for their organized defensive structure and dangerous counter-attacks, making them a consistently tricky opponent for Spain’s elite clubs. With Barcelona still chasing Real Madrid at the top of the table, every point matters, and balancing the need for freshness with the urgency of winning is a delicate act for Flick.
Barcelona’s schedule in the coming weeks is relentless. Just three days after facing Real Sociedad, Barça will travel to Portugal to take on Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie a match of huge significance for both the club’s European ambitions and Flick’s own reputation in his first season in charge. After that, the grind continues with another La Liga home game against Osasuna on March 8, followed by a potentially season-defining trip to face Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on March 16. That match, a direct battle with a title rival, could have a major impact on the championship race.
And if all that wasn’t enough, Barcelona must also navigate the second leg against Benfica, just days after the Atlético showdown. It’s a brutal calendar that will test the depth of Flick’s squad and the physical resilience of key players like De Jong, whose importance to Barça’s midfield balance cannot be overstated.
For De Jong, the upcoming weeks could be pivotal on both a personal and collective level. After enduring a frustrating, injury-disrupted start to the season, the Dutchman now has a golden opportunity to firmly establish himself as Flick’s undisputed first-choice midfielder. With his vision, press resistance, and ability to control tempo, De Jong is uniquely equipped to thrive in Flick’s possession-based system provided his body holds up to the relentless demands of the calendar.
Sunday’s match against Real Sociedad is therefore more than just another league fixture; it’s the start of a defining phase for both De Jong and Barcelona. With silverware still up for grabs on multiple fronts, and with competition for places fiercer than ever, every performance will count. Flick’s message to his players is clear rotation is necessary, but form and fitness will ultimately decide who plays the biggest roles in the critical weeks ahead.
Updated: 03:08, 1 Mar 2025
