Frenkie de Jong has been one of the footballers who has raised the most doubts around Barça in recent months. The midfielder has an obvious talent for seeing and understanding soccer, but he has never been able to maintain his best level. Those in the Catalan city paid a real fortune for him, but so far, he hasn't been worth it.
Although Barça is still coming out of the financial crisis, they've managed to make the team competitive and bring it back to the top of European soccer. In fact, it has been especially the academy players who have made it possible for the team to enter a good era. Now, after Frenkie de Jong's injury, Hansi Flick could bet on his best signing.
Hansi Flick's big bet
Hansi Flick is a great coach and he knows perfectly well what he must do with the players he currently has in the squad. He is the one who has made it possible for Barça to have a year like they've had and for the fans to feel identified with their team again. In addition, he's bet on young academy players like Marc Bernal, who was shaping up to be his best "signing."
Marc Bernal was a personal bet by Hansi Flick and quickly delivered good results; in fact, it seemed he was going to be the next Busquets. Unfortunately, the pivot suffered a serious injury against Rayo Vallecano a year ago. Since that moment, those in the Catalan city, and Marc himself, have eagerly awaited his return.
Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong had just recovered his best form, something that didn't last long. A few days ago, Barça released the following statement, which took all the culés by surprise. "The player Frenkie de Jong has suffered a minor injury to the external obturator muscle of his right leg. His progress will determine his availability."
Marc Bernal will leave Frenkie de Jong out
Everything suggests that Marc Bernal will return very soon; there's even talk of a return next weekend against Valencia. If so, we could see Bernal getting minutes for the first time since his injury. If Frenkie de Jong loses focus, he could end up losing his starting spot in Hansi Flick's line-up.
Hansi Flick will have a tough time, but Frenkie de Jong's return, which apparently won't be delayed too long, could be key when it comes to deciding the starting spot at Barça. Although we can't take anything for granted, it's likely that Marc Bernal will return showing his best form.