Frenkie de Jong was a starter against Osasuna, experiencing his best moment in a Barcelona jersey. De Jong has established himself as a key piece in Hansi Flick's scheme, who has trusted his ability to make a difference in the midfield. His presence in the starting eleven against Osasuna was a reflection of his crucial role within the team.
Injury and Substitution at Halftime
Despite the importance that Frenkie De Jong has in the team, the match didn't end in the best way for him. After a solid first half, the player was substituted at halftime, which caused concern.
Although the severity of his injury hasn't been officially confirmed, it has been reported that the footballer might be suffering from muscle overload. These discomforts, although not serious, are concerning after many minutes played, including those in the Nations League.
Frenkie De Jong came into the match against Osasuna with a considerable load of minutes. In his last commitment with the Netherlands, he played 120 minutes against Spain and was substituted only at the end of extra time. This puts him in a delicate situation, where muscle overload is a real concern for Barcelona's coaching staff.
Hansi Flick's Tactical Shift
With Frenkie de Jong's exit at halftime, Hansi Flick decided to make adjustments on the field. In his place, Pablo Torre came in, while Gavi took De Jong's usual position. The surprise came when, despite not playing in his usual role, Gavi delivered a great performance.
The young midfielder showed that he can adapt to different positions, and the coach highlighted his performance after the match. This tactical change could have important implications for De Jong's immediate future in the starting line-up.
While De Jong is an undisputed player for Flick, Gavi's good performance could give the coach the confidence to opt for more frequent rotations in the midfield.
Problems for De Jong at Barça?
The possible muscle overload of De Jong and Gavi's excellent performance may create problems for the Dutchman in terms of maintaining his place as a starter.
The competition at Barcelona is fierce, and although De Jong is key, the coaches manage minutes to avoid injuries. Therefore, it might be necessary for Frenkie to undergo a period of rest or rotation.