Staring in the face of a forceful exit last summer, Frenkie de Jong’s rejuvenation has increased his status at FC Barcelona by tenfold. The Dutchman has been one of the club’s most consistent performers, with a rise in his importance directly proportional to his newfound consistency for the Catalan giants.
Financially drained, Blaugranes are expected to hear offers for more than half of their squad. Even the likes of Raphinha, who has performed at a high level with 21 G/A, is rumored to hit the exit door if a decent fee can be fetched.
Despite this desperation from Catalan giants to find some wiggle room in wages and sales, Frenkie remains a cut above his peers in that regard.
According to a recent report from the acclaimed Gerard Romero, the Dutch sensation is deemed “untouchable” by FC Barcelona. In addition to being untouchable on the field with his press resistance, ball carrying, and aptitude as the first receiver, his untouchable tag has been transferred behind closed doors.
Considering the Catalans are open to selling some of their important assets, Frenkie being untransferable pays a testament to how well he has performed over the course of the campaign.
In a double pivot role next to a holding midfielder, the 25-year-old isn’t simply utilized as a box-to-box profile; but able to control games from deep, while simultaneously progressing plays via both carrying and passing. He’s capable of managing the game’s tempo, yet also blitzing through lines to impose verticality.
Despite Xavi’s best efforts to mold him into a specialist for a certain position, his biggest achievement has been to finally hand De Jong unlimited responsibilities. Unchaining the 25-year-old has led to a sense of prominence the former Ajax man never had prior to this season.
Frenkie appears to have found regularity with undeniable growth in his skillset and faith from the manager contributing to his best spell at the club yet. As he played a huge role in securing the Spanish Super Cup and inevitable La Liga title, De Jong’s untouchable tag does not seem as a bolt from the blue.
