Barcelona's improvement under Hansi Flick helped Frenkie de Jong return to form and in return the Dutchman's presence has allowed his club to aspire to new heights this season. The Catalan giants are in contention for a possible quadruple and host Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. Since De Jong has reestablished himself, Barcelona have stepped up a gear, battling their way back to the top of La Liga as well as sailing onwards in Europe.
They last won the Champions League in 2015 and after a catalogue of humiliations find themselves back among the favourites to lift the trophy.
Last season they reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 2020, and this year are favourites to progress to the final four.
De Jong has formed a stylish tandem at the heart of Barcelona's midfield with Pedri Gonzalez.
While neither player is at their best when burdened with defensive responsibilities, together they do enough to help Barca survive at the back while flourishing offensively.
"Playing with a player like Pedri makes life easier," said De Jong last week.
Flick hailed the duo after they helped Barca reach the Copa del Rey final with a win away at Atletico Madrid.
"Frenkie and Pedri were unbelievable, really brave with the ball, keeping the possession," enthused their coach.
It has been a long road back for De Jong, who until the turn of the year was behind Marc Casado in the pecking order.
Flick started the season with youngster Marc Bernal at the base of midfield but after he suffered a long-term injury, relied on Casado.
De Jong was injured in April 2024 and only returned to fitness in October and for a while Flick used him sparingly.
"He must deal with this situation, he must
Read more on sports.ndtv.com
sports.ndtv.com
