De Jong was the best player in the 4-2 victory at Espanyol. The Dutch midfielder had an assist for Raphinha to escape and stretch the ball in, allowing Robert Lewandowski to easily raise the score to 3-0. It was also De Jong who made a high-class ball, creating conditions for Jules Kounde to head to score.
From a player for sale at the beginning of the season, De Jong has proved the most important role in coach Xavi’s squad. The 26-year-old midfielder shines in the dual No. 6 role alongside Busquets. In this position, De Jong can both support the defense for Busquets and participate in the organization of the ball deployment. It can be said that Xavi has found the most comfortable “land” for De Jong to show off his talent.
With 39 passes that can lead to a goal (key pass), De Jong is second only to Pedri (43). “The way De Jong controls the ball and distributes it to his teammates is the kind of football I want,” commented Xavi. In Xavi’s preferred 4-3-3 formation this season, Barca actually played with four midfielders including Busques, De Jong, Gavi and Pedri. In particular, Pedri and Gavi take turns taking on the role of a left-handed midfielder with a task quite similar to the previous Andres Iniesta, both becoming a striker on the left corridor and stepping back in to support the ball.
But De Jong is the one who holds the key in the midfield. In the context of old and slow Busquets, Xavi pulled De Jong down to the side of Busquets to form a midfield pair. Thanks to that, Barcelona’s ability to defend from a distance is significantly improved. They are the best defensive team in La Liga this season with only 13 goals. Busquets played better when there was also a support, and De Jong completed both the defensive tasks and organizing the attack. Barca’s path to the ball must pass through De Jong’s feet as a matter of course. In La Liga this season, the Dutch midfielder has 1,864 passes, more than any other teammate.
While Gavi and Pedri provided energy and dynamism in Barcelona’s play, De Jong brought flexibility and wisdom in the ups and downs. That is what Xavi appreciates most in the Dutch midfielder. This summer when Busquets leaves, Barca will need a quality midfielder to replace, or push Eric Garcia to fill the role of No. 6. But whoever replaces Busquets, the soul of the midfield will still be De Jong.
Barca looking for a replacement for Busquets
Barcelona are promoting plans to find a replacement for Busquets. Currently, Xavi has rated 3 candidates, including Martin Zubimendi (Sociedad), Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina) and Guido Rodriguez (Betis). Of these, Xavi proved to be the most like Zubimendi because of his experience in fighting in La Liga. However, the price of 60 million euros that Sociedad asked for is quite high for Barca.
