Headline: Barcelona’s Midfield Transformation: Rodri’s Arrival Alters De Jong’s Role
Barcelona’s significant acquisition of Spain’s captain Rodri marks a pivotal shift within their squad dynamics. With Rodri now on board, the Catalans appear to boast one of Europe’s most formidable midfields, featuring Rodri, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong, bolstered by attacking talents such as Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Dani Olmo.
Yet, Rodri’s addition potentially diminishes De Jong’s influence on the team, leading to speculation about the Dutchman’s future, including recent rumors linking him with a late transfer to Juventus.
De Jong Not Moving to Juventus
These rumors have been firmly dispelled by journalist Matteo Moretto, who asserted that De Jong will not be leaving this summer, particularly not for Juventus. During a recent livestream, he addressed inquiries regarding the validity of speculation concerning De Jong’s potential move.
Moretto emphasized that there is no credible basis for these rumors, especially since De Jong is currently sidelined due to a long-term injury. He categorically dismissed the possibility of the Dutch midfielder departing this summer.
What’s in Store for De Jong This Season?
Looking ahead, Rodri’s presence suggests that coach Hansi Flick may favor a midfield pairing of Rodri and Pedri, potentially positioning either Olmo or Fermin in an attacking role.
Upon his recovery, De Jong might find it challenging to secure a starting spot ahead of either Rodri or Pedri unless Flick opts for squad rotation. In such instances, De Jong could feature alongside one of them. It remains to be seen whether the skilled midfielder can assert himself as more of an attacking option upon returning to full fitness. De Jong possesses the ability to make a significant impact when supported by defensive midfielders, making it plausible for him to be considered for a role in the number ten position as he works towards regaining his form.
Barcelona’s massive coup to sign Spain’s captain Rodri has changed the entire equation within the squad.
The Catalans, at least on paper, now possess one of the strongest midfields in all of Europe, with the trifecta of Rodri, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, complimented by more attacking midfielders such as Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo.
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However, Rodri’s arrival is set to dampen De Jong’s role in the team, which is perhaps why the Dutchman was shockingly linked with a late move to Juventus recently.
De Jong not moving to Juventus
However, those rumours have been put to bed by Matteo Moretto, who has clarified that De Jong is not going anywhere this summer, let alone Juventus.
Frenkie de Jong is out with an injury. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
During his livestream, the journalist was asked whether there is any meat to speculation linking De Jong with a shock move to Juventus.
In response, Moretto stated there is nothing of substance in those speculation, especially with the player currently on the sidelines due to a long-term injury.
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He went on to rule out The Dutchman’s exit this summer, adding that a move to Juventus is not a possibility at all.
What’s in store for De Jong this season?
With Rodri coming in, it’s only natural to believe that coach Hansi Flick will opt for the duo of Rodri and Pedri in the middle of the park, with either Olmo or Fermin occupying the number ten spot.
Can de Jong survive in the new look Barcelona midfield? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Even when De Jong does come back from injury, the Dutchman is unlikely to start ahead of either Rodri or Pedri except on occasions where Flick decides to rotate his squad.
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In that case, De Jong could start alongside either of these two midfielders. However, it will be interesting to see if the Dutchman could make a case for being more of an attacking midfielder when he gets back to full form.
De Jong, after all, is a crafty individual who can do a lot of damage if he receives support from defensive midfielders. Keeping that in mind, him making a case for being included in the number ten is a possibility that shouldn’t be ruled out just yet.
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