Hansi Flick’s defensive gamble pays off as midfield duo shine in unfamiliar roles – report

Hansi Flick’s defensive gamble pays off as midfield duo shine in unfamiliar roles – report Barcelona came into the game against Deportivo Alaves knowing they needed to return to winning ways after defeats to PSG and Real Madrid. However, Hansi Flick’s men had their backs against the wall from the start due to the defensive injuries they had to contend with. With only four first-team defenders available, the German manager had to get creative with his starting line-up and defensive organisation on the night. According to Mundo Deportivo , Flick decided to trust Frenkie de Jong at centre-back and Brian Farinas at right-back. Both midfielders were making their first starts of the season , and did so in positions they were not usually familiar with. Frenkie de Jong impresses in unfamiliar defensive role With Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Xavi Espart injured, Flick partnered De Jong with Pau Cubarsi in central defence. The Dutchman has previously played in that position for Ajax, Barcelona under Ronald Koeman and the national team. Farinas developed an excellent understanding with Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) However, it has been quite a few years since Barça have needed Frenkie in central defence, and he was also coming off a lengthy injury lay-off. The Dutchman had played just 16 minutes this season, in the previous game against Real Madrid, following a knee injury during the World Cup. One would have forgiven De Jong for lacking match sharpness, but the Dutchman looked comfortable. His ability to receive possession under pressure helped Barcelona build out from the back, and he also made some crucial defensive interventions. Apart from one physical challenge early on, when he went down easily, Frenkie did not miss a beat against Alaves. Brian Farinas delivers memorable first-team debut If Frenkie de Jong did well at centre-back, Brian Farinas was even better in an unfamiliar role at right-back. The La Masia graduate had never played in that position during his academy development and had only featured for a few minutes in pre-season under Hansi Flick. Frenkie looked at home at centre-back against Alaves. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Yet Farinas did not look like someone making his official first-team debut, and he played the full 90 minutes with remarkable composure. His understanding with Lamine Yamal and quality on the ball were on display. He even produced a clever backheel to set up the Spaniard in a move that Barça could not capitalise on. While the level of opposition and the nature of the game have to be taken into account, Hansi Flick will be happy with how the two midfielders did a job for the team. Hansi Flick also deserves credit for keeping faith in the duo and trusting their intelligence and technical quality in defensive roles. With Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid approaching, Barcelona have discovered two much-needed defensive alternatives. The duo can give the club flexibility until the injured defenders return, and it remains to be seen how they fare against more difficult opposition.