A shocking twist! It wasn’t Szczesny or Pedri… Hansi Flick stunned everyone by praising a Barcelona player for his outstanding performance at the end of the match against Benfica. This player, once sidelined from the starting lineup, has now become one of the team’s top performers!

Hansi Flick had nothing but praise for his players following their hard-fought victory over Benfica, a result that puts Barcelona in a strong position ahead of the second leg. With the advantage firmly in their favor, they now have a great opportunity to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Barcelona’s players delivered an excellent performance, overcoming a tough opponent on a challenging pitch.

Benfica had been in outstanding form, going ten matches without defeat, but the Blaugrana managed to claim an important win despite playing with ten men after Pau Cubarsí was sent off.

According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, several Barcelona players stood out, including Pedri González and Wojciech Szczęsny, both of whom played crucial roles in securing the victory.

However, one player who particularly caught the spotlight was Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder once again demonstrated his value, justifying Flick’s decision to reinstate him in the starting lineup while leaving out Marc Casadó.

De Jong’s resurgence has been remarkable. He has successfully adapted to a defensive midfield role, executing the tactical instructions of the coaching staff flawlessly. This has made him a key figure in the team’s structure. His current form is a stark contrast to just a few weeks ago when he was completely sidelined by Flick.

During that period, he was benched for over two weeks due to disciplinary issues and underwhelming performances. His future at Barcelona appeared uncertain, with his contract running until 2026 and both Joan Laporta and Deco actively exploring potential transfers.

However, De Jong has managed to turn things around, proving once again why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world. His performances have been met with enthusiasm at Barcelona, reinforcing his importance to the squad.

Following the victory over Benfica, Flick personally congratulated De Jong, acknowledging his exceptional displays in recent matches. His partnership with Pedri has been particularly effective, solidifying Barcelona’s midfield stability.

As a result, both Marc Casadó and Pablo Gavi have had to settle for roles as substitutes, highlighting the Dutchman’s growing influence on the team.