Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has killing a number of narratives of late and his latest showing against Real Madrid has served to reinforce faith that he has a place in the Blaugrana side for many years to come. At least if it is solely based on quality.
The Dutch midfielder has filled in for Sergio Busquets in the pivot role in recent weeks, performing well in a position that previously he had struggled in.
It was also said that the two struggled to operate together on the pitch, yet against Real Madrid, Busquets and de Jong worked in tandem to give Xavi Hernandez’s side control of the midfield.
While Pedri and Gavi took all of the headlines, de Jong’s performance was near flawless, as was illustrated by his part in the second goal, springing the crucial pass to Gavi. The numbers show just how good he was too.
Frenkie de Jong’s game by numbers vs. Real Madrid:
100% long balls completed
100% tackles won
100% dribbles completed
93% pass accuracy
86 touches
71 passes completed
3/3 ground duels wonRan the show. 🏃 pic.twitter.com/D5KkENTABB
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 15, 2023
De Jong has struggled to impose himself in the biggest games at times, but this performance is the second El Clasico of the last three where he has been able to show his best football. Similar performances going forward will allay all doubts about his importance to Barcelona.
