Owing to different reasons, Hansi Flick had to field a significantly changed FC Barcelona team for the game against Las Palmas, which ended in a 1-2 defeat for the Blaugranes.
Injuries and suspension meant Flick was unable to field players like Dani Olmo, and Marc Casado in this game. But even in the absence of Casado, the player who has been the starting midfield pivot for Flick, the absence of Frenkie de Jong was another aspect of Flick’s team selection that raised some eyebrows.
For this game against Las Palmas, the Barcelona coach fielded a double pivot of Gavi and Pedri, while playing Fermin Lopez ahead of them. Furthermore, the German tactician also played Pablo Torre, who is quite low in the midfield pecking order, ahead of the Dutchman.
One reason for Frenkie’s lack of participation in this game could be his physical problems, as he himself admitted in the last international break that he is still not back at his best, and his national side coach, Ronald Koeman, also endorsed this version as he released him early from national team duties.
Now back with his club, SPORT notes that the €60m-rated Dutch midfielder’s situation is still worrying, as he plays with intermittent pain, which leads him to be very cautious when going into challenges. This is particularly unacceptable for Flick’s style of play, which depends a lot on intensity, high pressure, and full concentration.
Even for the fans, it is easy to see that Frenkie is not comfortable whenever he steps on the pitch, and unless he reaches his best level, the Barcelona coach will not be too keen to give him a lot of prominence in his team.
This was clear in the last match against Las Palmas, in which Flick was without several of his starting midfielders, but still decided not to field the Dutchman.
