Frenkie de Jong’s Barcelona Role Sparks Debate: Is His Biggest Rival Pedri, Not Rodri?
Frenkie de Jong’s brief appearance at right-back in Barcelona’s win over Atlético Madrid has triggered a fresh debate in the Netherlands about his future at the Catalan club. While the Dutch midfielder has made clear that he is willing to follow Hansi Flick’s instructions, former Netherlands international Khalid Boulahrouz believes the change of position should prompt De Jong to consider whether Barcelona still offers the right path for his career.
The discussion is about more than one tactical adjustment. It touches on De Jong’s preferred position, his place in a crowded midfield and Barcelona’s need for flexibility during a demanding season. The opposing views of Boulahrouz and former Ajax midfielder Theo Janssen highlight the central question: is De Jong being asked to make a temporary sacrifice for the team, or is he at risk of drifting away from the role in which he is most effective?
Boulahrouz Questions Barcelona’s Use of De Jong
Speaking on the Ziggo Sport programme Rondo, Boulahrouz urged De Jong to think carefully about his long-term ambitions after Flick used him at right-back against Atlético Madrid. The former defender, who also played for Sevilla and Chelsea, said he would be reassessing his options if he were in the midfielder’s position.
“If I were in Frenkie’s place, I would start thinking carefully about what I want,” Boulahrouz said, according to Spanish newspaper Sport. He worries that a short-term solution could gradually become a regular assignment. De Jong’s first spell at right-back may have lasted only around ten minutes, but Boulahrouz suggested that coaches could later point to that appearance as evidence that he is suitable for longer stretches in the role.
His concern is that De Jong could be treated as a tactical utility player rather than as a specialist midfielder. Boulahrouz described the situation as being used “like a puppet” and argued that the Dutchman should protect his natural position. De Jong can operate in different areas, he acknowledged, but versatility does not necessarily mean that every role makes the best use of a player’s strengths.
Why the Midfield Competition Is So Important
Boulahrouz also framed De Jong’s challenge in terms of Barcelona’s midfield hierarchy. In his view, the most realistic battle for a central place is with Pedri, rather than Rodri. His remark that “no one can move Rodri” underlines how difficult it can be for a midfielder to displace an established rival at the top level.
The comparison is significant because De Jong’s position depends on more than his individual ability. Barcelona have several players competing for central roles, and Flick must balance ball progression, defensive coverage and attacking creativity. Pedri’s influence and the squad’s changing needs can affect where De Jong fits, particularly when injuries or tactical adjustments force the coach to reshuffle the team.
For De Jong, the key issue is not simply whether he can perform at right-back. His qualities—press resistance, close control and the ability to carry the ball through midfield—are most naturally associated with a central role. Moving him deeper or wider may help Barcelona during a match, but it could also limit his involvement in the areas where he can dictate possession and connect defence with attack.
Janssen Sees De Jong as a Match-Changer
Former Ajax midfielder Theo Janssen offered a more positive assessment on Rondo. Rather than focusing on the positional switch, Janssen praised the impact De Jong had after coming on against Atlético Madrid. He said the midfielder’s awareness and composure gave Barcelona an additional option in possession.
“When you bring him on, you know you have an extra midfielder. He reads situations well. You can always pass the ball to him,” Janssen explained. He also credited De Jong with helping improve Barcelona’s performance, saying the team began to function better after his introduction.
That view points to why Flick may value De Jong’s flexibility. A player who can receive under pressure, retain possession and help a team regain control can be useful even when deployed outside his preferred position. In a tight match, tactical adjustments are often about solving an immediate problem, not necessarily signalling a permanent change in a player’s role.
De Jong Says Midfield Remains His Position
De Jong has already addressed the issue himself. Speaking to ESPN, he said he would play in defence if the coach asked him to, while stressing that the arrangement was not intended as a long-term plan. “Everyone knows that I am a midfielder,” he said.
His response reflects a balance between professionalism and clarity. He is prepared to serve the team, but he has also made his preferred position clear. That distinction matters: accepting a temporary assignment does not automatically mean he has agreed to become a regular defender, nor does it confirm that Barcelona plan to move him out of midfield.
What the Debate Means for Barcelona
For Barcelona, the immediate priority is finding the right balance across the squad. Flick’s willingness to use De Jong in a different role may offer useful cover, especially during a long campaign when injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion can demand creative solutions. Yet the coach must also ensure that flexibility does not prevent one of his most technically gifted players from contributing where he is most comfortable.
For De Jong, the season could become a test of both performance and opportunity. If he receives a consistent role in midfield, he can compete directly for influence and help shape Barcelona’s build-up. If his appearances increasingly involve emergency positions, questions about his long-term future may become harder to avoid. At this stage, however, one brief spell at right-back is not enough to establish a new pattern.
Any prediction about De Jong’s next move remains uncertain. His own comments suggest he is willing to remain adaptable, while Janssen’s praise shows the value he can bring to Barcelona regardless of the tactical debate. Boulahrouz, meanwhile, has raised a warning about the consequences of being shifted too often. The coming matches should provide a clearer indication of Flick’s plans—and whether De Jong’s main challenge at Barcelona is adapting to a new role or securing his place in midfield alongside, and in competition with, Pedri.
