Frenkie de Jong tells Hansi Flick: Barcelona midfielder role is not changing

Frenkie de Jong has made it clear he does not see himself becoming a defender on a permanent basis, despite being willing to fill in across the back line for Barcelona when required.

The Netherlands international has been used by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick in unfamiliar defensive positions, including at centre-back and as a right-sided full-back or defender. The tactical adjustments have helped the club cope with absences and injuries.

De Jong, 29, produced an impressive display in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at Wembleyano before joining the Netherlands squad for their Nations League fixtures.

Speaking to ESPN after arriving at the training camp, De Jong discussed the upcoming matches against Greece next Friday and Germany the following Monday. He also confirmed that he had recovered from injury, while stressing that his defensive duties were only temporary.

“If the coach asks me to play in defence, I will do it, but that will not be the case in the long term,” said De Jong. “Everyone knows that I am a midfielder.”

The midfielder added that playing in a deeper role was not a new experience in his career. He has previously been asked to operate at centre-back by several high-profile managers during his time at Ajax and Barcelona.

“Other managers have done it,” he said. “At Ajax, and sometimes at Barcelona too, during a period with Koeman and several times with Xavi.”

De Jong confident over fitness

De Jong also sought to end doubts over his physical condition after returning to the Netherlands set-up.

“I feel good and strong. I just need to regain my match rhythm,” he said.

Asked whether he was ready to complete a full 90 minutes, De Jong replied: “We will see. I feel good.”

The Netherlands face Greece in the Nations League – Path 1 on 13 November 2026. Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture is against Villarreal on 22 November 2026.

Midfielder responds to criticism

De Jong believes his performances are valued more highly by fellow professionals than by some supporters because many people do not watch matches closely enough.

“People do not watch matches regularly. Few of them follow the full 90 minutes,” he told ESPN. “They do not really understand the game, they do not realise what is happening on the pitch or why decisions are taken.”

He also suggested that goals and assists make it easier for the public to judge a player, while those statistics do not reflect his own main contributions.

“The easiest way to assess a player is, of course, to look at whether he scores or provides assists,” De Jong said. “For me, those numbers are much lower, of course.”

Captaincy possibility

De Jong said he would be prepared to wear the Netherlands captain’s armband if Virgil van Dijk is absent.

“The coach has to announce that, but it is possible,” he said.

According to De Jong, the final decision will rest with national team manager Xavi Hernandez.