Injury crisis and differing views at Barcelona: Flick considers De Jong in defence

Flick has tested De Jong as a centre-back in training amid Barcelona's defensive injury crisis, though the midfielder prefers his natural position.

Frenkie de Jong returned to action for Barcelona in El Clásico as a number 10, but now that his comeback is complete, questions surround his future role at the club. According to Sport, there is a disagreement between manager Hansi Flick and Barcelona's leadership over De Jong's position.

Flick prioritises team performance and quality, while the club wants to develop younger players like Marc Bernal. Barcelona's defensive options are severely limited, with only João Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martín and Alejandro Balde available as experienced defenders for the upcoming La Liga match against Alavés. In response, Flick has tested De Jong as a centre-back during training sessions.

De Jong acknowledged the possibility of a positional change in an interview with Ziggo Sport, saying he has played defence before at Ajax and Barcelona and would do so if asked. However, he emphasised that he considers himself a midfielder.