Frenkie de Jong is not panicking despite being played out of position in his opening few games for Barcelona.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
De Jong has started all three of Barcelona’s La Liga matches so far but has been played slightly out of position by under-fire head coach Ernesto Valverde.
The Dutch international is not in his usual position due to the presence of Sergio Busquets and is instead played on the left.
Speaking to NOS, De Jong said on his new position, “I play at FC Barcelona. And in midfield, so that’s good for me. But I do understand what people mean. Of course it’s something else, but that doesn’t have to be a problem. If I keep playing in that position , I just have to make sure that I fill it in as well as possible.”
De Jong is positive about his early days at Barcelona, “I just got to FC Barcelona and I have played all the matches in the starting line-up: two to the end and one to almost ten minutes before time. If you see what’s going on, that’s a good start for me. I know myself that I can bring a lot more to the ball, but I don’t worry so much. ”
I watched Barcelona’s games and feel De Jong is uncomfortable in his new position because on many occasions his runs were not correct and also noticed a “reluctance” on the part of some players(Alba) to pass the ball to him. I understand for upcoming great footballers lure of clubs like Barcelona and Juventus. However, i remember as a player, I would have rather played for a lesser club, but feel that I am trusted to perform to my ability than be subject to undue pressure because of the sum of money I am being paid. Dutch players need to understand that as good as they are in the Eridivisie, their league is not among the most competitive in Europe and the transition to a higher level may not be easy at all. There are so many young Dutch talents who have , let us say it, FAILED in the top leagues.