WATCH | Frenkie De Jong's goal to make it 1-0 Barcelona vs Valencia

The Barcelona captain had not scored since December 3. In an early goal Frenkie De Jong surprised and scored the 1-0 for Barcelona against Valencia in the match day 23 of the Spanish League scoring his first goal in 2025.

Frenkie de Jong: A Key Figure in Barcelona’s Rebuild

Frenkie de Jong's arrival at Barcelona in the summer of 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the club. The highly talented Dutch midfielder had already impressed the football world with his performances at Ajax, and his move to the Catalan giants was seen as a significant step in the club’s ongoing effort to rebuild after a period of decline. Since then, De Jong has become a pivotal figure in Barcelona's midfield, contributing not only with his skill and vision but also with his consistency and leadership.

De Jong’s first season at Barcelona was a period of adaptation. Coming into a team in transition, with a mix of aging stars and young talents, the Dutchman initially struggled to find his place within the tactical setup of the team. However, his natural ability to read the game, his composure on the ball, and his exceptional passing range quickly began to shine through. Under then-coach Ernesto Valverde and later Quique Setién, De Jong was often deployed in a deep-lying midfield role, where he could showcase his ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His technical qualities, coupled with his intelligence, allowed him to become a key figure in the midfield, despite Barcelona’s struggles in that campaign.

The 2020-2021 season was another challenging year for Barcelona, both on and off the pitch. With the club facing financial difficulties, the team also went through a managerial change as Ronald Koeman took over. Koeman, who was familiar with De Jong from his time with the Netherlands national team, immediately recognized his potential and made him one of the key players in his plans. Under Koeman’s guidance, De Jong’s role evolved, and he was often seen as a more attacking option, getting forward to join the attack and contribute to Barcelona’s offensive play.

One of the defining features of De Jong’s game is his versatility. While he has predominantly been used as a central midfielder, he is capable of playing in a variety of roles. Whether sitting deep as a defensive midfielder, operating as a box-to-box player, or even pushing further up to play in a more advanced role, De Jong's adaptability has made him invaluable to Barcelona, particularly during a period when the club struggled with injuries and inconsistencies in form.

During the 2021-2022 season, De Jong was instrumental in helping Barcelona stabilize after a period of uncertainty, with Lionel Messi’s departure and the arrival of new manager Xavi Hernández. Under Xavi, De Jong found himself in a system that suited his qualities even more. Xavi’s philosophy of controlling possession and playing fluid, quick passes through the midfield was a perfect match for De Jong’s skill set. He became an even more prominent figure, taking on more responsibility in building attacks and maintaining Barcelona’s midfield dominance.

One of the most notable aspects of De Jong’s contribution to Barcelona has been his consistency. Despite the challenges the club faced during his time at the Camp Nou, De Jong remained one of the few reliable performers week in and week out. His ability to provide stability in midfield, along with his composure under pressure, has made him a player that Barcelona can always count on. Furthermore, De Jong’s leadership qualities have emerged as he grew older, and he has been increasingly seen as a future captain of the club.

As of the 2023-2024 season, De Jong continues to be a key player for Barcelona. His role within the team has only grown, with Xavi trusting him to not only control the midfield but also to be a leader on the pitch. The Dutchman has consistently delivered impressive performances in both La Liga and European competitions, demonstrating that he is at the heart of Barcelona's midfield engine.

In conclusion, Frenkie de Jong’s journey at Barcelona has been one of growth, adaptability, and consistency. From a promising young talent to one of the club’s most important and influential players, De Jong has proven to be a vital part of Barcelona’s ongoing rebuilding process. With his technical ability, intelligence, and leadership, he remains one of the brightest stars in the team, and his continued contributions will be crucial as Barcelona aims to return to the top of European football.