Is Frenkie de Jong heading for the bench at Barcelona in 2026/27?

Frenkie de Jong has often linked defense to attack for Barcelona, but injuries have kept him out longer than desired. Hansi Flick has many midfield options and may use De Jong in some matches, yet his absence has been noticeable late in the season. Flick also keeps other key players out when needed, including club captain Ronald Araujo, to preserve team equilibrium. Marc Bernal’s emergence after a long injury absence has been a positive development, and Gavi’s return has added another major presence. With Pedri among the first choices, the midfield three appears well established. Gavi and Pedri often play in sync, their skills complement each other, and Bernal provides calm and simplicity in the pivot role.

"Not so long ago, it would've been unthinkable to have a Barcelona starting XI without Frenkie de Jong in it. The Dutchman has often been the conduit from defence to attack, dovetailing brilliantly with his midfield colleagues in so doing. However, injuries that have kept him out of the side for longer than he would've liked have opened up opportunities for others. Hansi Flick has a plethora of midfield options to choose from depending on the opponent, and whilst De Jong could well be utilised in certain games, at the back end of this season, for example, his absence has been striking."

"The notion that you don't change a winning team is a formula that all football managers/coaches seem to live by, and that's as true at Barcelona as anywhere else. Club captain Ronald Araujo being kept out of the side is another example of Flick's persistence in continuing with those players who have served him well. That's not to say that both Araujo and De Jong haven't, of course, far from it in the midfielder's case, but not wanting to upset the equilibrium is as valid a reason as any other for keeping the Dutchman on the bench."

"The emergence of Marc Bernal after the injury that kept him out for the vast majority of last season has been a real plus point, whilst the return of Gavi has felt like having another new signing in the team. With Pedri as one of the first names on the teamsheet, the midfield three therefore seems well set. The telepathy between Gavi and Pedri isn't quite at the Iniesta/Xavi level yet, but the current midfield brothers-in-arms are often totally in sync with how the other plays."

"That their respective skill sets are perfectly complementary, too, is an another bonus for the squad, and with Bernal keeping things simple and calm in the pivot position, Barca really do have a solid gold trio in that area of the pitch. At 29 years of age, De Jong is fast becoming one of the elder statesmen of the blaug"

Read at Barca Blaugranes