Following Barcelona’s exciting victory over Girona, the team strengthened its position at the top of the league, extending their lead to three points over Real Madrid and seven over Atlético Madrid.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, the match once again highlighted what many at Camp Nou have long believed: Frenkie de Jong is the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield. Although he started on the bench to manage his workload, his second-half introduction transformed the game, bringing much-needed fluidity, balance, and quality. His assist for the third goal capped an outstanding performance, reinforcing what players like Lamine Yamal and Pedri already recognize—Barcelona operates at a different level with De Jong on the pitch.
The report suggests that Pedri has urged Hansi Flick to start De Jong in every remaining match this season. Speaking to the press, Pedri emphasized the Dutchman’s crucial influence on the team, noting that his presence in midfield strengthens Barcelona and improves their overall balance.
“As soon as he came on, Barcelona changed for the better,” Pedri stated, highlighting De Jong’s impact. His ability to dictate the tempo and enhance the team’s build-up play makes him one of Barcelona’s most essential players.
With the season entering a decisive phase, Barcelona will rely heavily on their midfield synergy to maintain their lead and compete for silverware. The partnership between Pedri and De Jong is proving vital, strengthening the case for the Dutch star to be a permanent fixture in Flick’s starting lineup.
