When Ajax made that spectacular run deep into the Champions League back in 2018, Frenkie De Jong was at the very heart of it. He provided excellent balance in that Central Midfield position and was perfect when transitioning defence into attack. His incredible performances for the Dutch side earned him a big-money move to his dream club FC Barcelona. But little did anyone expect this move to turn out to be as disappointing as it has.
Ever since making his place in the first team at FC Barcelona, there has been a consistent decline in his performances and output. Firstly made to play in the box-to-box role due to his versatility on the pitch and the presence of Sergio Busquets in the team Frenkie De Jong excelled at his part. But the team around him with the exception of Messi kept letting him down. The number 21 kept up the impressive performance for the next 2 seasons but started struggling with injuries. He then formed a beautiful double pivot with Sergio Busquets in the 2022-23 season leading Los Cules to two trophies that season. Then after suffering an injury the following season, FDJ has never been the same after missing the initial part of the ongoing season due to injury which lasted for 5 months. Frenkie has seen his spot being handed over to Marc Casado.
The 21-year-old bright prospect from La Masia has put in impressive performances for Barcelona. So much so that De Jong has struggled to get back into the lineup. Against Atletico Madrid when Casado had his worst game till now in the Blaugrana shirt, he was substituted out for Eric Garcia and not Frenkie De Jong, showing how much the former midfield maestro has fallen down.
Do you think Frenkie De Jong can scale the heights he once achieved as a footballer again? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
