Frenkie de Jong’s Tactical Versatility Impresses Netherlands Manager
Frenkie de Jong’s impressive performance against Atletico Madrid has garnered attention from Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez, especially as the Barcelona midfielder played in an unfamiliar position during the 2-1 victory.
De Jong entered the match as a right-back before switching back to central midfield, prompting his former Barça coach and current national team manager to highlight the tactical flexibility he offers.
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Xavi Clarifies De Jong’s Best Position
During a press conference, Xavi noted that utilizing De Jong as a full-back is not a tactical choice he would favor for the Netherlands.
“Yesterday against Atletico, De Jong played as a full-back. That’s not what I have in mind for him, although I did also play him as a centre-back at Barça,” he stated.
Frenkie de Jong played as a right-back against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“But what I’m certain of is that Frenkie is a top-class player who can play in any position – as a ‘6’, as an ‘8’ – he’s a top-class player,” he continued, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
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Xavi’s remarks indicate that he values deploying De Jong in central midfield, a position where his skills can significantly influence the game.
De Jong’s Performance Reinforces National Team Inclusion
De Jong’s showing at the Metropolitano Stadium bolstered his case for a return to the national squad following recent injury setbacks.
Manager Hansi Flick substituted him in at half-time against Atletico, initially placing him at right-back before shifting him into his preferred midfield role after the introduction of Eric Garcia in defense.
Xavi confirms Frenkie de Jong will not play in defence for the Netherlands (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Barcelona ultimately secured a 2-1 win, with Fermin Lopez netting twice to complete the comeback.
Netherlands Prepares for Key Nations League Matches
As the Netherlands national team readies for their upcoming fixtures, De Jong remains a key inclusion in Xavi’s squad for the final two Group A2 matches.
The Netherlands will host Greece on November 13, followed by a trip to Berlin to face Germany three days later.
The Dutch team currently leads the group, holding eight points from four matches, tied with Greece, while Germany follows with five.
