Frenkie de Jong

[jamrock]

We do this every single time he has a purple patch and it always ends the same.

It's a settle debate with him now.

Let's just hope he can provide good rest for the Gala XI and a different option off the bench, when it's needed.

He's shown he isn't going to make leaving easy, so let's see what happens in the summer.

 

[TheStig]

Barça have pulled the renewal and there are no further discussions planned until June

From there the plan appears clear, exit or be deregistered for final 12M

He won't be deregistered, it was said multiple times you can't deregister a player that is registered.

 

[Fati_Future_BallonDor]

He is back

 

[Andresito]

Pedri plays well in that deeper role no matter who is there really and has shown that with FDJ in last two domestic games before yesterday and v Benfica.

Would probably have to be Romeu level covering needed to pull Pedri back.

Casado came off the previous two games and FDJ was better than him and team improved and Barca were better v Betis with FDJ/Pedri than have been in majority the last two months.

By all means if Casado is better he plays and he has been for most of season when FDJ looks terrified of ankle.

Casado was getting rag dolled v Benfica and Getafe and was charging about out of position a lot giving them space to break albeit winning tackles also.

Dont think positionally he is that great at DM either and a bit light weight at times when paired with Pedri.

Barcas record this season with Casado/Pedri pairing is not that great.

I think Flick will want to play Casado as much as he can, which depends on what form Casado shows. If he can keep up his big game form from 2024 there's not much Frenkie can do to displace him because they are different players. If you look at what benefits the XI the most it's Casado in form together with Pedri, rather than Frenkie with Pedri.

In some situations and parts of the game however (like against Benfica) Frenkie definitely has a role to play, but like I said, it depends on Casado.

 

[JamDav1982]

Casado brings balance which Pedri and Frenkie benefit from. Won midfield battles against Bayern and Madrid x2 for example.
I don't see how Frenkie will improve that by replacing Casado which is why I think Pedri and Casado will be the pairing for most games if all fit.

Barca were not really winning the midfield battle v Bayern.. if anything they barely touched ball in first half and won that game by quick balls up to front men. Then settled when ahead.

The first Madrid game were lucky not to be behind and FDJ was taken on at HT and helped change game as won 4-0.

The last Madrid game the midfield were good.. Pedri ran it.. Casado was good albeit was bullied on their opener.

 

[Horatio]

Flick rates him highly and wants him in XI just like czesny.

Only way increased minutes given makes sense. Of course taking caution with ankle.

 

[jamrock]

Flick rates him highly and wants him in XI just like czesny.

Only way increased minutes given makes sense. Of course taking caution with ankle.

Over who?

 

[JamDav1982]

I think Flick will want to play Casado as much as he can, which depends on what form Casado shows. If he can keep up his big game form from 2024 there's not much Frenkie can do to displace him because they are different players. If you look at what benefits the XI the most it's Casado in form together with Pedri, rather than Frenkie with Pedri.

In some situations and parts of the game however (like against Benfica) Frenkie definitely has a role to play, but like I said, it depends on Casado.

He also took Casado off early in last two games and team improved.

Flick likes him and he has been good. If he keeps his place more power to him and it should be goo for team if he is playing well.

He has been sloppy though.. againt Benfica he gave away ball badly x3 times and was skinned out of position more than once. Against Getafe he was a non entity and hooked at HT.

Last night he was good again.. FDJ was better but he was good.

 

[Andresito]

He also took Casado off early in last two games and team improved.

Flick likes him and he has been good. If he keeps his place more power to him and it should be goo for team if he is playing well.

Agree. But if was CL final tomorrow Casado would start despite Frenkie improving the team when come on.

 

[jamrock]

I think flick definitely came in rating him.

But casado said hold my beer, which is why the story of casado this season is so incredible, he fought for his spot, no one will take it from him because the coach likes them more.

Plus I doubt flick like him anymore, he's just too soft to play DM over a warrior like casado.

And over pedri, let's not even go there.

Teams that sit back or aren't really offering much, like Valencia and gefate are games we'll see him in.

 

[Fati_Future_BallonDor]

bro doesnt age, does he?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1883802366421487617

 

[JamDav1982]

Agree. But if was CL final tomorrow Casado would start despite Frenkie improving the team when come on.

Possibly.. who knows and wouldnt even argue as I think Flick places a lot of emphasis on winning place back.

 

[JamDav1982]

Valencia did not 'sit back'.. do folk even understand what they are watching.

The pressed high and with a high line.

FDJ, Casado and the CBs broke that press constantly and played it to the attacking players with space and Fermin/Raph destroyed them.

Barca have dropped points to a ton of poor sides in last 2 months that have sat back anyway.

 

[jamrock]

OR

 

[Horatio]

Over who?

Just analysing the trend in minutes given my man.

Went from late game minutes, to playing first half, then getting subbed off later, to playing almost full game yesterday. Not how would managed if not have plans for him.