Frenkie De Jong changed the game when he entered the pitch in the second half of Barcelona’s clash with Alaves in a must-win match. La Blaugrana had struggled to create enough chances in the first half as Alaves had numerical superiority in the midfield. Eduardo Coudet’s men applied tight man-marking to deny Barca’s midfielders any room for creativity.
The only way out for Barca and why Frenkie was key
The way out of this challenge presented to Hansi Flick’s men was to dive forward with the ball rather than trying to find space to pass in. Pedri was the only player who had that ability but it still wasn’t enough. With the introduction of Frenkie de Jong, the game turned around. He is a world-class ball carrier and knows how to get away from intense pressure. He confused Alaves’s midfield about whether to press him after he beats his man or to hold their position in marking other players.
Unlocking Pedri as an 8
With Frenkie able to carry the ball into the opposition’s half Pedri was finally relieved of his duties further back and could concentrate on creating chances for the forwards. It was his cross to Lamine Yamal that ended up being Lewandowski’s goal.
Praise from Flick and Eduardo
The Dutch midfielder’s masterclass was not only praised by his manager but also by Alaves’s manager.
Hansi Flick: “Frenkie De Jong had a major injury, but the confidence in his game is back. He was very good with the ball, and he’s improving on his defense. We’re working on it.”
Eduardo Coudet (AlavĂ©s manager): “The entrance of Frenkie de Jong complicated the game for us. It set us back a little further.”
Eduardo Coudet: “Barca were better in the second half, especially since Frenkie de Jong came on. Having a player who can drive the ball like him that’s when they started to break more lines and generate more chances.”
The Dutch Maestro is finally back to his best after returning from a series of injuries and has announced himself as a major weapon in Hansi Flick’s arsenal.