Hansi Flick has provided clarity regarding Barcelona’s midfield pecking order. Following Barcelona’s recent match against Benfica, in which Frenkie de Jong was once again named in the starting lineup, Flick confirmed that the Dutch international is his preferred choice for key matches.
His decision reaffirms De Jong’s importance in the squad and establishes him as the midfield leader under his management.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, this decision places Marc Casado in a difficult position. At the start of the season, Casado had managed to earn a place in the team, taking advantage of De Jong’s injury and the inconsistency of other midfielders.
However, with De Jong now back to full fitness and performing at a high level, Casado has been relegated to a substitute role. Flick has made it clear that, for crucial encounters, De Jong will always be his first choice, meaning Casado will have to wait for his opportunities.
Since Flick took over as Barcelona’s head coach, De Jong’s performances have significantly improved. Previously criticized for inconsistency, the Dutchman has evolved into a key figure in Barcelona’s midfield.
His ability to dictate play, read the game, and recover possession has made him indispensable. Additionally, his versatility, which allows him to play both as a deep-lying midfielder and in more advanced roles, has given Flick more tactical flexibility.
In the Benfica match, De Jong once again demonstrated his value, bringing composure and balance to the midfield while helping Barcelona control the game and secure a victory.
Meanwhile, Casado faces an uncertain future. Despite showing promise and performing well earlier in the season, he is now struggling for playing time. Against Benfica, he remained on the bench despite Barcelona needing reinforcements in midfield. Flick’s preference for De Jong suggests that Casado will have to remain patient and work hard to prove himself whenever he gets the chance.
Barcelona still values Casado’s potential, but his limited playing time could prompt the club to consider a loan move in the summer transfer window. This would allow him to gain more experience and develop further at a club where he could play regularly.
While Flick acknowledges his talent, the German coach’s priority is ensuring that Barcelona remains competitive, and for now, that means trusting De Jong in the most important matches. Casado will have to wait for his moment to shine.
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