Barcelona captain finds his best version again, expected to start against Espanyol | OneFootball

There is always a demand at FC Barcelona for the team’s players to step up in important moments. For too long, mediocre performances on big occasions have let the club down and they wish to put an end to that problem. Fortunately, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona seems to be ready for any challenge that may come their way.

Ever since the arrival of the German coach, La Blaugrana have looked like a team with a completely new sense of composure and a newfound mentality. Moreover, it has also been helped by the fact that the coach has improved the efficiency and impact of his players as well.

This also includes 27-year-old Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whose introduction in El Clasico against Real Madrid changed everything. Following his arrival into the match for the second half, Barcelona managed to score four goals and gave a much more controlled display than they showed in the first half.

Moreover, as highlighted by SPORT, this may have been the defining hint that De Jong is now finally reaching his best levels again. Signed in 2019 from Ajax, De Jong was expected to be a transformative player for Barcelona, and he may finally be able to show that he is that exact same player even now.

After dealing with his most recent injury, one that was suffered against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the previous season, the Dutchman has come back with a greater resolve than ever before.

Fortunately for Barcelona, this means that his availability is now offering them the chance to make use of a player who has the ability to completely transform Barça’s game.

One of the happiest players after the recent Clasico win, De Jong remains one of the four FC Barcelona captains this season and his impact is already noticeable.

Now, after having played an entire second half for Barcelona against Real Madrid, he looks set to start in the upcoming game against Espanyol. With other players fatigued and overplayed, it looks extremely likely that De Jong could end up starting that game alongside the likes of Dani Olmo.

However, the topic of his contract renewal still remains up in the air. While players like Fermin Lopez have already signed an extension, the Dutchman’s situation is a bit more complicated. It remains in place until 2026, but Barcelona would ideally like to have his stay extended.