“There Will Be a Real Battle”: Strong Warning Over De Jong’s Place in Barcelona’s Lineup

A new battle is brewing at Barcelona, and the return of one of the club’s key players could present a major test of his place in Hansi Flick’s plans. The challenge is no longer simply about regaining full fitness; it is also about competing with players who have established themselves as important figures in the starting lineup.

As the midfielder moves closer to a comeback, a warning from a former Dutch international has highlighted the challenge awaiting him in Barcelona’s midfield. The competition is particularly intense with a new signing regarded by the former player as the best option in his position, alongside a young talent whose influence on the team’s play cannot be overlooked.

Former Netherlands international Khalid Boulahrouz has warned Frenkie de Jong that regaining his starting place at Barcelona will not be easy. He believes the competition for midfield positions will be fierce, with Rodri and Pedri among the options available to German manager Hansi Flick.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport, in comments reported by SPORT, Boulahrouz praised Rodri and described him as an indispensable starter and the best central midfielder in the world at present. He highlighted the Spaniard’s ability to win possession, contribute in attack and make an immediate impact on the team’s performance.

The former Dutch international added that De Jong’s return would put him in direct competition with Pedri, setting up what could become one of the most significant selection battles in Barcelona’s midfield.

Boulahrouz described the contest between De Jong and Pedri as a genuine battle, while emphasising that the two players have different strengths. De Jong, he explained, is often the first point of contact when Barcelona build from the back and remains important both in and out of possession. Pedri, by contrast, tends to move further forward and link the midfield with the attacking players.

However, Boulahrouz does not believe their different roles necessarily prevent them from playing together. He suggested that Flick could potentially deploy De Jong, Pedri and Rodri as a midfield trio. Such an arrangement could give the Barcelona manager greater flexibility when building attacks and controlling the centre of the pitch, although its suitability would depend on the team’s needs and the opposition.

The comments come as De Jong continues his recovery from an injury sustained during the World Cup, which has kept him out of action during the early part of the season. According to the report, the Dutch midfielder has entered the final stage of his rehabilitation and has taken part in intensive training ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Galatasaray.

Nevertheless, De Jong was not necessarily expected to feature against Galatasaray. The report stated that Flick hoped to include him in the squad for Barcelona’s match against Real Betis on October 17. It also suggested that the midfielder could be fully fit by the time Barcelona face Real Madrid in El Clasico on October 25, although those dates remain dependent on his recovery.

De Jong’s return, therefore, would represent more than simply another player becoming available to Barcelona. It could trigger a fierce contest for starting roles in midfield. With Rodri’s standing, Pedri’s influence between the lines and De Jong’s determination to reclaim his place, Flick will need to find the right balance between his players’ strengths and the team’s overall cohesion.