Frenkie de Jong’s surprise role at right-back sparks tactical debate
Frenkie de Jong is known for controlling football matches from midfield, but Hansi Flick delivered an unexpected twist in Barcelona’s high-stakes clash with Atlético Madrid: the Dutch international began on the right flank as a right-back. The unusual decision caught supporters by surprise and even prompted a reaction from his former Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández.
De Jong’s role was not simply a matter of filling a familiar position. In a match where the result carried major significance in the race near the top of the table, Flick asked one of his most technically gifted midfielders to help secure the right side of the defence. De Jong responded with the adaptability that has long made him one of Barcelona’s most valuable players.
From the right flank back into midfield
De Jong entered the game from the bench in the second half of Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Atlético. He initially operated at right-back, a position that requires more than defensive discipline: the player must also judge when to press, protect space behind the winger and provide a safe passing option when the team is under pressure.
As the match developed, De Jong moved back into midfield. That shift gave Barcelona another player capable of carrying the ball through congested areas and helping the side manage the closing stages. His journey from the defensive flank to the centre of the pitch illustrated the tactical flexibility Flick wanted—and showed why the Dutchman can be useful even when the team’s shape changes during a match.
The move was striking because right-back is not generally considered De Jong’s natural position. He is most comfortable receiving possession in midfield, where his close control, awareness and ability to play forward can influence the rhythm of a game. Yet his experience in several roles has given coaches options when injuries, substitutions or tactical demands require a different solution.
Xavi praises De Jong’s versatility
Xavi, who previously coached De Jong at Barcelona and was speaking as Netherlands manager, acknowledged that the deployment surprised him. He said De Jong had played as a full-back against Atlético, adding that the role was not what he personally had in mind, even though he had also used the midfielder as a centre-back during their time together in Spain.
At the same time, Xavi was clear about the player’s quality. He described De Jong as a top-class footballer who can perform in a range of positions, including as a holding midfielder or a more advanced central player. The remarks captured an important distinction: being able to cover a position is not the same as being limited to it. De Jong’s value comes from his ability to understand different responsibilities while retaining the technical qualities that define his game.
His versatility could be especially useful in international football, where national-team coaches have limited time to prepare and may need players to adapt quickly. A footballer who can provide cover in defence, protect the midfield and progress the ball gives a manager more ways to respond to an opponent’s formation or a changing scoreline.
Flick’s tactical choice: innovation or emergency solution?
Flick’s decision has prompted a natural question: was De Jong’s appearance at right-back part of a longer-term tactical plan, or a short-term answer to the demands of one difficult match? The available evidence does not yet settle the debate. A single appearance in an unfamiliar role may be a practical adjustment rather than the start of a permanent positional change.
Still, the choice may have offered Barcelona several advantages. De Jong is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, which can help a team play out from the back rather than simply clear possession. His passing range can also connect the defensive line with midfield, while his ability to move inside allows a full-back position to become an additional central passing lane during possession.
There are trade-offs, too. A natural full-back may offer greater experience in one-on-one defending against fast wingers, while a midfielder playing wide must adjust to different angles, distances and recovery runs. Flick’s approach therefore depends on the match situation and on how well the rest of the team covers the spaces De Jong leaves when he moves infield.
That balance is likely to shape any future use of the experiment. If Barcelona need a more secure build-up or extra control late in a game, De Jong’s skill set could make the role attractive. If the opponent is targeting the flank with pace and direct running, a specialist defender may be the safer choice.
Netherlands face important Nations League fixtures
De Jong now turns his attention to international duty with the Netherlands. The team sits on eight points from a possible 12 in Group Two of the UEFA Nations League, level with Greece. Germany are close behind on five points, making the upcoming fixtures important to the group standings.
The Netherlands are scheduled to face Greece on Friday before meeting Germany on Monday. Those matches will give Xavi an opportunity to assess De Jong in a different tactical environment and decide how best to use his strengths. His most familiar position remains in midfield, but his performance at right-back has added another possibility to the conversation.
For Barcelona, the question is whether Flick has uncovered a useful new option or simply made a smart adjustment on an unusual night at the Metropolitano. Either way, the episode reinforces De Jong’s reputation as a complete footballer: a player capable of adapting to the needs of the team without losing sight of what he does best.
Any prediction about his long-term role should be cautious. One match is not enough to establish a permanent position, and Barcelona’s needs can change with the opposition, squad availability and game state. But Flick’s experiment has shown that De Jong can offer more than midfield control. In modern football, that kind of flexibility can be a tactical advantage—and a reason the Dutchman remains central to both club and country.
