Frenkie de Jong vows to adapt for Barcelona but insists midfield is his natural role

Frenkie de Jong says he is ready to help Barcelona in other positions if required, while making clear that midfield remains his preferred role.

The Netherlands international also spoke openly about the criticism and uncertainty surrounding his recovery from injury, admitting he understood why some Barcelona supporters had questioned his absence.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport in an interview published by Sport, de Jong said much of the criticism directed at him had come when he was unavailable.

“It has always been that way,” he said. “Most of the criticism aimed at me, or the fuss surrounding me, comes when I am absent and unable to play football. That happened again this time, and I completely understand why.”

De Jong said he could particularly appreciate the frustration of supporters who saw him playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup before he spent several months unavailable to Barcelona.

“I understand the fans very well,” he said. “They see me playing for the national team, but they do not see me playing for the team they support.”

He added: “If we simplify it, the picture looks like this: I played at the World Cup until the final match, and then I was out for three months. I completely understand that feeling.”

The midfielder also expressed frustration at the speculation surrounding his injury and the differing claims about the treatment he should have received.

“I am the first person to be annoyed by this situation, along with the club and the fans, because I want to play,” de Jong said. “But I was unable to do so, and it turned out that the injury was more serious than we had thought. Then all kinds of stories start circulating, and many things happen.”

After several weeks of rehabilitation, de Jong said he now felt optimistic about his condition. Speaking on the eve of the Clasico, he added: “I feel very good and I feel ready.”

The midfielder also discussed the competition for places at Barcelona, particularly following Rodri’s arrival.

“The competition is extremely strong, but that makes it more interesting for me,” de Jong said. “I believe I have a place in the team as well, and I feel capable of playing.”

He did not rule out being used elsewhere on the pitch if Barcelona’s manager or team-mates asked him to do so, although he remains committed to his usual position.

“If the manager or the team asks me to play in another position, I will always do it,” he said. “But I think everyone knows that I am a midfielder.”

De Jong’s ambitions have not changed, with winning the biggest honours still at the heart of his plans.

“Winning the Champions League is something that is still missing from my career,” he said. “It is a major goal, a dream and a wish.”