Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has begun exploring a new position for Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutch midfielder training at centre-back as he works his way back into the team.
According to SPORT, De Jong was tested in the role during training last week, and Flick has confirmed that the option remains open.
It must be remembered that De Jong has been managing knee problems since the World Cup, and the physical demands of playing in midfield have raised questions about how best to use him while protecting his recovery.
On that note, the defender role remains an option under consideration rather than a confirmed change to his position.
Asked before Barcelona’s match against Getafe whether De Jong could feature in central defence, Flick made his stance clear, stating,
“Yes, he can play there. Frenkie is one of the options.”
Frenkie de Jong at centre-back: Why Flick is considering the change
Flick asked Frenkie de Jong to train as a centre-back. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The idea of using De Jong in defence comes amid concerns surrounding the midfielder’s knee.
According to the report, some medical opinions had suggested surgery could be necessary, while other concerns centred on the possibility of instability if he continued without an operation.
Those concerns have prompted consideration of how his role might affect the demands placed on the joint.
Central midfielders frequently change direction, turn sharply, accelerate and brake while operating in crowded areas.
A centre-back, on the other hand, can face fewer of those movements in certain situations, although defending still involves sudden changes of direction, physical duels and explosive actions.
There is no confirmation that the positional experiment is a medical recommendation or that moving De Jong into defence would eliminate the risks associated with his knee.
There are considerable upsides to De Jong playing as a centre-back. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
For now, though, it is one possibility Flick is assessing as the player returns to group training.
Barcelona midfield competition could influence De Jong’s role
Meanwhile, tactical considerations may also explain why Flick is exploring alternatives.
With Rodri viewed as the first-choice option in midfield and Marc Bernal providing another possibility, competition for central positions could make it harder for De Jong to secure a consistent run of games in his usual role.
The Dutchman is also not viewed as a natural replacement for Pedri, which is why finding another position could give Flick more flexibility while allowing De Jong to remain involved in the team.
A permanent switch would certainly be a significant change for a player whose strengths have traditionally been associated with carrying the ball and controlling possession from midfield.
However, there could be some upside to this, as Barcelona are actually short in numbers in that position since Andreas Christensen’s injury.