Former Dutch star warns De Jong about competition in Barcelona midfield: ‘There’s going to be a real battle’

Former Dutch star warns De Jong about competition in Barcelona midfield: ‘There’s going to be a real battle’ Frenkie de Jong has been one of Barcelona’s biggest absentees due to injury in these early parts of the campaign. The midfielder had picked up an injury during the World Cup and has been out since. However, he is currently in the final phase of his recovery and could soon return to action. But, as De Jong looks to soon return to the pitch, he has been warned about competition in the Barcelona squad by a fellow Dutchman in Khalid Boulahrouz. Boulahrouz’s message to de Jong Speaking to Ziggo Sport (h/t Diario SPORT ), Boulahrouz made it clear that it is not going to be easy for De Jong regain his place in the first-team, as new signing Rodri is untouchable. Intense competition for places. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “As long as Rodri is there, I think that will continue to be his position. He’s an undisputed starter and the best central midfielder in the world right now. He intercepts, attacks, and has an immediate impact. He’s the best option in that role,” he said. That means de Jong will have to compete with Pedri for a place in the first-team, the former Dutch international pointed out. “There’s going to be a real battle between Pedri and Frenkie,” he said, as he heaped praise on de Jong’s style of play. “ I enjoy watching Frenkie play. Even so, they’re two different players. Frenkie is usually the first point of contact. He’s important for the team both with and without the ball ,” he said. “Pedri focuses a bit more on getting to the attackers. He’s more of a link between midfield and attack. Frenkie is more of a playmaker, the first player they look for when building from the back ,” he added. Edging closer to a comeback. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Boulahrouz concluded that a solution involving all three midfielders cannot be ruled out either. “I think they can also play very well as a trio,” he said. When will de Jong return? De Jong was one among the players who did intensive training ahead of Barcelona’s next game against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League. Although the Dutch international might not feature against Galatasaray, Flick has already indicated that he hopes to include the former Ajax star in the squad for Barcelona’s match against Real Betis on October 17. That means de Jong’s return is not far away and one can expect the midfielder to be fully fit once Barcelona take on Real Madrid on October 25, in the first El Clasico of the season.