Barcelona heavyweight believes El Clasico display could be a turning point for him

When Frenkie de Jong made his return to the field after a lengthy absence, many questioned his value to Barcelona. The team had already established a solid midfield partnership with Pedri and Marc Casado.

However, in a recent match against Real Madrid, de Jong showcased his significance to the team. Coming on in the second half, he quickly influenced the game by providing greater control in midfield, which allowed Pedri to be more dynamic offensively. De Jong’s contribution helped Barcelona shift the momentum, leading to two quick goals from Robert Lewandowski and a third from Lamine Yamal, bringing the score to 3-0 before Real Madrid could respond.

Following this impressive performance, de Jong’s confidence has notably improved. Previously struggling after his injury layoff, he now feels optimistic about regaining his top form. He views the match against Real Madrid as a potential turning point, though he still faces competition for a spot in the squad.

With only two central midfield positions available, currently held by Pedri and Casado, de Jong knows he can’t simply reclaim his starting role. However, if he continues to excel, coach Flick, who has a strong belief in de Jong’s abilities, may be compelled to find a way to include him in the lineup, as he has the potential to be one of the world’s best midfielders when at his best.