Frenkie de Jong gives Hansi Flick four reasons to trust him after Atletico test

Frenkie de Jong earned rare approval from both his supporters and critics after helping Barcelona control Sunday’s meeting with Atletico de Madrid, having been unexpectedly deployed as a right-back by Hansi Flick.

The decision surprised Atletico manager Diego Simeone as well as De Jong himself, and presented the Netherlands international with a demanding test in a significant match in the race for the La Liga title.

According to Mundo Deportivo, some Barcelona supporters praised De Jong’s willingness to take on an unfamiliar role without complaint, while others argued that Flick simply cannot afford to leave out his technical ability, wherever he is asked to play. The midfielder has demonstrated his value in several positions during a short period.

De Jong was not used as a conventional full-back. When Barcelona had possession, he moved into midfield – the role he had taken up after Marc Bernal was substituted. Simeone did not treat the right side as an obvious weakness either, choosing not to place a traditional winger there. Instead, Alex Baena remained in the position, with the Atletico player relying more on skill than pace and direct dribbling.

De Jong faces midfield competition

The performance underlined De Jong’s determination to compete for a regular starting place after several months away from the team. That will not be straightforward, with Pedri Gonzalez producing an impressive display at the Wanda Metropolitano and Rodri expected to become indispensable once he recovers from injury.

Marc Bernal offers Barcelona a different set of technical qualities, while Gavi continues to hope he can reclaim his position. De Jong has responded to the competition with humility, drawing on his experience and adaptability to meet the coaching staff’s demands.

He has now occupied four different positions in a remarkably short spell. He first appeared as an attacking midfielder during the closing stages of the clasico against Real Madrid, then started at centre-back against Alaves. He moved to right-back in the second half against Atletico before returning to midfield late in the meetings with Aston Villa and Atletico.

The statistics from his 45 minutes against Atletico illustrated his influence. De Jong completed 22 passes in the final third, more than any other Barcelona player, and finished fourth for successful passes overall after completing 65 of 67 at a 97% success rate.

Only Pedri, with 66 completed passes, and centre-backs Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, with 106 and 69 respectively, recorded more. De Jong also ranked seventh in Barcelona’s team for touches, with 74, and won possession back three times.

His greatest contribution, however, came through his composure and understanding with Pedri, which helped Barcelona limit Atletico’s threat after the interval. He also maintained his defensive responsibilities and concentration in challenges.

A return to right-back may be unlikely when Barcelona’s injured defenders are available again, but the experiment provided stability and highlighted De Jong’s readiness to put the team first. A starting place remains difficult to secure, yet this more adaptable and committed version of the midfielder could prove important as Barcelona challenge for every trophy this season.

Barcelona, Villarreal, Getafe and Atletico de Madrid are listed for La Liga matches on 22 November 2026.