Ronald de Boer sees Sergio Busquets as an important reason that Frenkie de Jong is not performing at the top of his ability at Barcelona. The presence of the experienced midfielder will prevent the 24-year-old midfielder from playing in his natural position as number six, which would harm him and the team as a whole. According to De Boer, Busquets can no longer do what is asked of a number six at the top level and ‘should take a step aside’.
“Busquets is a great player, but he needs a lot of protection,” De Boer told the Spanish newspaper El Pais. “If he has to cover the whole field, he will get into trouble. That affects the whole team and also Frenkie de Jong.” Barcelona also played against Alavés (0-1 win) last Sunday with the point back in midfield, with Busquets being the most defensive man. Before that, in addition to Frenkie de Jong, there was also Pedri, who played instead of the Dutchman in the Copa del Rey match against Athletic Club (3-2 loss).
Spanish newspapers are not too positive about Frenkie de Jong despite heroic role
Quite a bit of criticism of the midfielder despite his winning goal for Barcelona.
De Jong grew into a match winner against Alavés in the final phase, but nevertheless received a lot of criticism in the Spanish media. De Boer thinks it would solve a lot if the former Ajax player were to replace Busquets. “The future is Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Pedri, Nico González. With those players, Barcelona has an incredible midfield. Busquets’ career is coming to an end. He is of age (33, ed.) and sometimes clubs and coaches cling.” clinging too long to players who have to step aside.”
“Frenkie can fill the role of Busquets very well, because he can defend so well,” continues De Boer. “He is fast, long enough to win aerial duels, and he makes a lot of meters. Together with N’Golo Kante (the Chelsea midfielder, ed.) he is one of the best. His versatility is unique: no player can do that. switch easily between the number six and number eight position.”
Frenkie de Jong himself does not think the criticism of his game is entirely justified. “I can improve in many areas, but I don’t play disastrously either,” said the midfielder on Sunday in front of the camera of Movistar +.
Frenkie de Jong: ‘It seems as if those people don’t even watch the matches’
The match winner bit off in front of the camera after the duel with Deportivo Alavés.