Suprising stats behind Barcelona captain’s masterclass against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Frenkie de Jong played a crucial role in Barcelona’s intense 4-4 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.

While the result was not entirely satisfying for the Dutch midfielder, the match marked a turning point for him in high-stakes encounters, as until now, he had often been left out of the starting XI in crucial fixtures.

He was only given limited minutes against top opponents such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Benfica in the Champions League, while also struggling to secure a starting role in key La Liga and Super Cup matches against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Club.

Impressive against Atletico

Like the rest of the team, De Jong did not have the strongest start to the game, but he gradually found his rhythm and became more composed in possession.

Frenkie de Jong was impressive against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

His ability to dictate play improved as the match went on, allowing him to exert more control in midfield.

He demonstrated his awareness by making crucial defensive interventions and ensuring Barcelona maintained their structure in high-pressure moments.

His passing was a standout feature, as he completed the most passes in the match with 99, slightly ahead of Pau Cubarsi with 98 and Inigo Martinez with 86.

In the attacking third, De Jong remained highly involved, registering 33 passes, making him the second-most influential player in this area after Cubarsi, who recorded 39.

Additionally, he showcased his defensive work rate by recovering eight balls, once again ranking second in this aspect, just behind Pedri, who managed 13 recoveries.

Overall, De Jong’s performance in this thrilling contest reflected his growing influence in Barcelona’s midfield.

While the team still has work to do in the second leg, his ability to step up in crucial moments is an encouraging sign for both the player and the club.