The Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona match was not only significant for the Catalan club’s qualification to the Champions League semi-finals, but also a crucial test of the emotions and dynamics that had been building in the dressing room in recent weeks. One of the most important takeaways from the match in Germany was the clear lack of compatibility between Frenkie de Jong and Gavi at the base of midfield.
Frenkie de Jong was one of the standout performers, showing great character, speed, and precision in his passing, particularly in the early stages. However, his connection with Gavi was almost nonexistent an issue that has surfaced repeatedly throughout the season. Every time Gavi stepped in to replace Pedri in that pivotal role, Barcelona lost fluidity and clarity in its play. In the Dortmund match, this was even more evident: De Jong was clearly uncomfortable alongside Gavi, a fact that was reflected in his performance.
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When Pedri came on in the second half, the team’s playing style shifted dramatically. His connection with De Jong was fluid and natural, built on a level of understanding that Gavi, despite his efforts, has not yet managed to replicate. Pedri has an innate grasp of timing, space, and rhythm, allowing De Jong to express himself fully on the pitch. His influence goes beyond statistics he brings structure and meaning to the game, unlocking his teammates’ potential.
Gavi, for his part, did not play a bad match. As always, he was combative under pressure, brave in possession, and fulfilled his role with determination. However, his playing personality is fundamentally different from Pedri’s. De Jong believes that Gavi is better suited to a more advanced role, where his energy can have a greater impact he simply isn’t the right fit to replace Pedri at the heart of midfield.
Recent training sessions have made it clear that Hansi Flick is fine-tuning his approach for the final stretch of the season. But what the Dortmund match confirmed is that the ideal midfield balance for Barcelona lies in a De Jong–Pedri partnership, with Gavi serving as an attacking spark or an impact substitute at key moments. Sources close to the coaching staff have confirmed that, barring injuries or unforeseen events, Pedri is expected to feature in all decisive matches. His influence is undeniable, and Flick is unwilling to risk another experiment in high-stakes games where even a single error could prove costly.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, De Jong has already made his preference clear without the need for public statements or controversy. The chemistry he shares with Pedri cannot be replicated by any other player. While he deeply respects Gavi and values his efforts, he does not see him as the right partner in central midfield.
Barcelona continues to move forward in the Champions League, but the match in Dortmund left behind more than just a result it delivered key insights. Most notably, in today’s Barcelona, only Pedri can truly unlock Frenkie de Jong’s full potential on the pitch.
