27-year-old Barcelona midfielder finally returns to his best version again – Report | OneFootball

In the midst of all the challenges and hurdles, FC Barcelona have managed to develop something truly special this season. Led by Hansi Flick, this new project is one that has almost every single fan excited. However, it would not have been possible had the Barcelona players not responded well.

Following the crucial recent victory against SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, the Catalan giants have proven once again that they are in this competition to make a statement. So far, Hansi Flick’s team has accomplished that goal quite well.

However, there have been several standout performers this season and the praise that they have received speaks for itself. Still, credit also has to go to players that have managed to turn their situation around at Barcelona this season and have now established themselves as true top-level contenders.

One such player is Frenkie de Jong, and as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, the Dutchman has finally found his best version again. Following a complicated 2024, the 27-year-old Barcelona midfielder has slowly but surely established himself as one of the key players in Hansi Flick’s system by now.

For the second game in a row against SL Benfica, the Dutchman showed exactly why his composure and control over the ball was so important to this team. Even when the team was down a man during the first leg, he was a massive part of why Barcelona still managed to win that game.

In the second leg, however, he was simply too good for Benfica to stop. By making the required sacrifices and dropping deeper as well during the game, he let other teammates also flourish. Pedri, for instance, clearly benefited from the fact that his midfield partner was willing to help out at the back and play out the ball.

Now, De Jong has clearly overtaken Marc Casado as Hansi Flick’s preferred choice in the midfield pivot. However, the Dutchman has gradually worked his way to this point and now seems to have finally left his injury concerns behind him as he begins to thrive under Hansi Flick.