For someone accustomed to being a fixture in the starting lineup, Frenkie de Jong has only started one game this season, which is a hard reality. His statistics are striking: he played in one out of every thirteen games (7%) compared to 184 games in the lineups (87%) throughout prior campaigns. These numbers hurt, much like the sensation of being viewed as a supporting player by the coach and possibly the aggravation of not being able to return to the starting lineup. However, only he can really explain that.
Even after fully recuperating from his injuries, the young Dutchman has had a terrible year and has yet to rediscover his rhythm. Although he is back in action, he has only played as a stand-in for Hansi Flick. He didn’t leave the touchline’s mock cage, which serves as the warm-up area, during the last two games, which were defeats to Leganés and Atletico at Montjuïc. His worst Christmas in five seasons wearing the blaugrana, with zero minutes played only adding to the sadness.
The once-happy De Jong, now appearing glum, is surrounded by a growing fog as he struggles with cumulative ankle pain and the agony of criticism. His individual achievements were initially questioned, and then his injury treatment—which took longer than anticipated to heal—became a source of worry.
A syndesmosis injury damaging the tibia-fibula link was the initial cause of his right ankle injury in September 2023. Before suffering a ligament sprain at San Mamés on March 8, he resumed playing without any problems and started 15 straight games. On April 21, he returned in the classic at the Bernabéu, only to be carried away in tears following a confrontation with Fede Valverde.
As attention turned to the Netherlands, De Jong continued to be a vital member of the team under the direction of Ronald Koeman, who was the coach who first brought out the best in him at Barcelona. De Jong scored seven goals (11 overall throughout the previous four and a half seasons) and played in 51 of the team’s 54 games (94%) in the 2020–21 campaign.
Despite being involved in training and being called up to the Dutch national team, he was eventually excluded when the 23-man roster was revealed. Koeman, who was prepared to wait for him, finally chose not to include him because there was no assurance he would be able to play during the tournament. Ian Maatsen eventually wore the number 21 shirt that he typically wears.
A complete recovery appeared to be just a few days away, but weeks stretched into months as disagreements emerged between two groups of physicians, one supporting conservative care and the other urging surgery.
De Jong acknowledged, “It has been a very tough process,” just before his return after obtaining medical clearance. He wanted to voice his concerns and refute rumors about his large income. Beyond the game against Red Star, the player’s contributions have fallen short of Flick’s expectations for a return to the starting lineup. De Jong is aware that he has a long way to go in his recuperation.
