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.
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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.
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