Frenkie de Jong’s Resurgence and Competition with Marc Casadó in Barcelona’s Midfield

Frenkie de Jong is currently enjoying a high point in Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona project. After a challenging start to the season due to a right ankle injury that sidelined him for over five months, the midfielder is rediscovering his best form. It appears he has definitively surpassed Marc Casadó in the midfield pecking order.

De Jong started against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán and again versus Rayo Vallecano (1-0). In a crucial match for Barcelona, where a win would potentially reclaim the LaLiga lead, Flick fielded his most competitive lineup at Montjuïc. De Jong was chosen to partner Pedri and Gavi in the midfield, relegating Casadó to the bench.

De Jong’s Comments on Competition with Casadó

Following the game against Iñigo Pérez’s Rayo Vallecano, De Jong addressed the media. He acknowledged Barcelona’s victory and commented on his competition with Casadó. He stated, “‘Casa’ has a lot of quality, like the entire squad; we can all contribute.” He also expressed his happiness with the victory and the team’s position at the top of the table.

However, De Jong tempered any excessive euphoria, noting that “there is still a lot left, we are all very close in the standings, and there is nothing to celebrate yet.” He emphasized the importance of the win, saying, “Rayo is a good team, they press a lot, and getting the ball out was difficult for us. To win something at the end of the season, you have to win these kinds of games.”

De Jong’s Ascendancy in the Midfield

Frenkie de Jong’s strong performances in recent matches, especially in the critical games against Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano, highlight his excellent form. This has earned him the confidence of Hansi Flick, who has been a strong supporter since arriving at Barcelona. Casadó, however, has seen his first-team involvement reduced, after being a regular in the first half of the season.

With several months of competition remaining and a significant number of matches to play, it is expected that both the academy player and the Dutch international will share minutes in midfield to manage physical strain. However, it currently seems that De Jong has gained the upper hand in the battle for a central midfield spot.

2024-2025 Season Statistics

Frenkie de Jong

• Matches played: 24
• Starts: 4 in LaLiga, 3 in Copa del Rey, 0 in Supercopa de España, and 2 in Champions League
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 1
• Minutes played: 556 in LaLiga

Marc Casadó

• Matches played: 31
• Starts: 17 in LaLiga, 0 in Copa del Rey, 2 in Supercopa de España, and 7 in Champions League
• Goals: 0
• Assists: 6
• Minutes played: 1,369 in LaLiga

These statistics reflect the participation and contributions of both players this season. They highlight Marc Casadó’s greater playing time and assists compared to Frenkie de Jong, though De Jong’s recent form suggests a shift in their respective roles.