Barcelona Turn to Frenkie de Jong and a Reshaped Defence Against Alaves
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has made several notable changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Deportivo Alaves, as the Catalan side look to respond to a difficult run of results. Fresh from a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, Barcelona need a convincing performance at home to restore momentum and keep their league campaign on track.
The selection, reported by Sport, signals a substantial shake-up following losses to both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. The most eye-catching decision is the inclusion of Frenkie de Jong from the start. The Netherlands international has not started a match since 22 February, making his return to the first XI a significant development for Flick and a potential boost to Barcelona’s control in midfield.
De Jong Takes on an Unfamiliar Defensive Assignment
De Jong is not being deployed in his usual midfield role. Instead, he is set to partner Pau Cubarsi at centre-back, adding an unexpected dimension to Barcelona’s defensive plan. The Dutchman has played in defence before, including under former Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman and during his earlier time at Ajax, but the position remains an adaptation rather than his natural home.
His experience on the ball could help Barcelona build attacks from deep, particularly if Alaves press aggressively. De Jong is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and moving it forward, qualities that may be useful in a makeshift back line. However, the tactical choice also places added responsibility on the other defenders to maintain their shape and cover spaces when he steps into midfield.
Flick’s defensive unit is expected to feature Brian Farinas at right-back, De Jong and Cubarsi in the centre, and Joao Cancelo on the opposite flank. It is an unconventional combination, reflecting the changes made after Barcelona’s recent setbacks. For the coaching staff, the challenge will be to balance experimentation with the need for a reliable performance in a match where dropped points could deepen the pressure.
First-Team Opportunity for Brian Farinas
Farinas is another headline name in the selection. The right-back is set to make his first appearance for Barcelona’s senior team, earning an opportunity after Flick previously tested him in the position during pre-season. A debut in a competitive La Liga fixture is a major step for the young player and a chance to show that he can handle the pace and demands of first-team football.
Alaves may look to test the new defender early, especially by targeting the space behind Barcelona’s full-backs. Farinas will need to stay disciplined, communicate clearly with his centre-backs and choose his moments to join the attack. His inclusion also offers Barcelona a chance to assess their depth and give a developing player valuable experience in a high-pressure setting.
Barcelona’s Attack Looks to Provide a Response
While the defensive changes are likely to draw most of the attention, Barcelona’s attacking options retain plenty of threat. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are named in the forward line alongside Karim Adeyemi, giving Flick pace and direct running in wide areas. Their movement could be central to breaking down an Alaves side expected to defend compactly and look for opportunities on the counterattack.
Yamal’s creativity and ability to take on defenders can stretch the opposition, while Raphinha offers energy, pressing and a willingness to attack the box. Adeyemi’s speed may give Barcelona another route forward, particularly if the hosts can turn defensive recoveries into quick transitions. The front three will need to combine effectively rather than rely solely on individual moments.
In midfield, Fermin Lopez and Pedri are selected alongside Rodri. Their work will be important in connecting the defensive line with the attack and controlling the tempo. If Barcelona can dominate possession without becoming predictable, they should be able to create openings. But possession alone will not guarantee a result: the team must also be sharper in the final third and more alert when Alaves attempt to break forward.
Match Prediction: Can Flick’s Changes Spark a Winning Return?
Barcelona enter the match with a clear incentive to respond. The defeat to Real Madrid will have increased the urgency around this fixture, while the loss to PSG makes a strong performance even more important for confidence. Flick’s selection suggests he is willing to make bold decisions to address recent problems, though the unfamiliar defensive pairing brings an element of uncertainty.
Alaves could look to exploit that uncertainty by pressing the inexperienced areas of Barcelona’s back line and attacking quickly after winning possession. The hosts, meanwhile, will want to establish control early, move the ball with purpose and avoid giving their opponents easy chances. An early Barcelona goal would likely force Alaves to open up, creating more space for Yamal, Raphinha and Adeyemi to attack.
Prediction: Barcelona should have enough quality and home advantage to make the stronger impression, but the reshuffled defence could make the contest less straightforward than expected. A narrow Barcelona victory looks plausible if the midfield controls the game and the forwards convert their chances. The key question is whether Flick’s tactical adjustments can deliver both a more secure defence and the attacking fluency the team needs.
Barcelona Starting Line-Up vs Alaves
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
Defence: Pau Cubarsi, Frenkie de Jong, Brian Farinas, Joao Cancelo
Midfield: Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Rodri
Attack: Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi, Raphinha
For Barcelona, Saturday’s fixture is more than an opportunity to collect three points. It is a test of Flick’s ability to adjust after back-to-back defeats, a chance for Farinas to make his first-team case, and an important return to the starting line-up for De Jong. The result—and the performance behind it—could offer an early indication of whether this reshaped side can quickly regain its confidence in La Liga.
