"With Marc-Andre Ter Stegen leaving the club in January on a six-month loan deal, Frenkie de Jong takes over as the team's regular on-field captain given that Ronald Araujo is still not a regular starter this season. The Dutchman, thus, took to the field against Elche last night with a double responsibility on his shoulders - the captaincy as well as the responsibility of leading the midfield without Pedri."
"De Jong dominated the midfield against Elche and single-handedly took charge of both Barcelona's attacking transitions, possession play, and pressure-system off the ball. For starters, he provided the assist for Ferran Torres' equaliser on the night, and in the process also recorded his sixth assist of the season and fifth in La Liga. In addition to the direct goal contribution, the midfielder had 71 touches and completed 92% of his passes on the night."
"He created four big chances and had five key passes against Elche in 90 minutes. Defensively, he had six ball recoveries, one interception, and won one aerial duel. He did earn one yellow card and is now just one sanction away from being suspended. All in all, his performance was one worthy of the captain's armband, especially given the circumstances it came under."
Frenkie de Jong assumed Barcelona's regular on-field captaincy after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen's January loan departure, with Ronald Araujo not a regular starter. De Jong led the midfield against Elche, managing attacking transitions, possession play, and off-the-ball pressure while Pedri was absent. He assisted Ferran Torres' equaliser — his sixth of the season and fifth in La Liga — and completed 92% of passes from 71 touches. He created four big chances, made five key passes, had six ball recoveries, one interception, and won an aerial duel. He received a yellow card and is one booking away from suspension. His importance to the team has grown significantly.
Read at Barca Universal
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