There is no place for the substitute Frenkie de Jong in Barcelona’s midfield against Real Madrid | sports

Frenkie de Jong played at the center of defense under Ronald Koeman several times last year, but this was a solution out of necessity, due to the numerous injuries on the last line. However, in FC Barcelona’s week-long tour of the United States, the team has done well within the defenders, but nonetheless De Jong has been placed in this defense as a substitute in the two exhibition matches so far.

Tonight, in Las Vegas, he was allowed in after the break, just like last week against Inter Miami (6-0). The team that started against Real Madrid is very similar to coach Xavi Hernandez’s favorite team, with Busquets, Jaffe and Pedri playing in the midfield and newcomer Lewandowski in the attack line, accompanied by Ansu Fati and Rafinha; The latter scored the only goal with a beautiful long shot.

In the second half, when a large part of the starting team was replaced, it was the midfield of Nico, Sergi Roberto and Casey who came from Milan. For De Jong, Xavi once again had a place in the center of defence, first on the left, later on the right, as the Dutchman showed himself ambitious, quick and pushed a lot forward, but sometimes lost a dangerous ball.

But when it comes to occupying those positions at the back when serious matches begin, the Catalan coach is at a loss. Veteran Piqué was told that after fourteen years, he was no longer number one; Xavi from the younger generation: Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen from Chelsea. There didn’t seem to be much room for De Jong between them.

FC Barcelona will play two more matches in the United States, as more will become clear about Xavi’s plan. The goal is to get players in every position.” That was the little thing he wanted to say after beating Real Madrid. In that regard, there is still room for Memphis Depay, who replaced the left winger twice after the break. Serginio Dest also participated in both games as a reliable right-back.

Xavi’s striking attitude towards Frenkie de Jong, who has always considered him one of his best midfielders, follows weeks of pressure from the board of directors to move the Dutchman to Manchester United. The clubs have already agreed to a move, but De Jong is refusing to leave. He has five weeks, when the transfer window closes at the end of August, to learn more about Xavi’s true plans for him.