21 - Frenkie de Jong
- Thread starter DonAK
- Start date
BBZ8800
Senior Member
He isn't that good yet, but he can improve.
Regarding more midfield signings, I guess that a club will take a status quo in this season.
To see:
1. if Busi is done, probably yes after this season
2. ii Raki is done, probably yes after this season
3. if Vidal is done, probably done after this season
4. the most important: WHAT IS Frenkie's true position
5. whether Arthur can improve is some areas (attacking, defending) and whether he will improve and turn into an undisputed starter or into a 4th midfield pick
Then, I guess, in a summer of 2020, if Busi, Raki, Vidal will be done and if Arthur will stagnate, we will probably buy one more world class MC who can compliment Frenkie's skills.
In this moment we can't tell with a 100% certainty how will Frenkie work and how combinations Frenkie-Arthur, Frenkie-Raki will work.
This will be a season of testing.
Also, if EV will fail again, he will be sacked.
Plus, some other heavyweights could be gone if they will have another bad season (Cou, Dembele).
So, imo, the next summer could be a summer of a lot of changes: a coach, grannies being finally sold (Busi, Raki, Suarez, Vidal), we will get an answer regrading true abilities of Cou, Dembele, Arthur.
So, a huge overhaul could come in the next summer.
This will be another season of watching EV, and of testing Dembele, Cou, Frenkie, Arthur.
MTL_Barca
Well-known member
Frenkie is good and he should play all the time.
What worries me is: who will be our attacking CM?
Even yesterday, before Van De Beek entered, Netherlands had possession and control, but not too many clear chances, shots and goals.
When Donny entered, they started to create more havoc in and around English box and they started to have lots of planned and somewhat lucky goalscoring chances.
Frenkie-Rakitic is obviously not a solution.
But neither is Frenkie-Arthur.
Even yesterday, Frenkie was the best when he was dropping deep to get the ball and when he was commanding from some sort of a Busi-Xavi hybrid position.
Since Busi's position=is Busi's position.
And Arthur's best position is also=a hybrid of Busi's and Xavi's position.
Then we are in problems since all three players are the best when they play in some sort of Busi's position or in some kind of a mix of Busi's and Xavi's position.
These 3 deep lying midfielders could work while we have Messi, since we can get away currently with a gameplan: recycle possession in midfield and just pass to Messi=and he will eventually do something.
But longterm, after Messi, we will need both at least 2 new attacking superstars and true leaders (NOT like Dembele) and one CAM-ish type of a player who will have balls, leadership ability and both creative and finishing skills.
You know that I usually don't like young players, but on youtube videos, this kid looks as if he has bravery, leadership ability, IQ and skills (a combination which 95% of our current players don't possess).
If could be 24 today and if he had shooting skills, then even I would say: ok, you can play Frenkie-Arthur and this guy. Then even Arthur's safepasses wouldn't be such a problem.
But in a current era, where all of our midfielders are more "pivot" (Frenkie, Busi, Arthur) or defensive-minded (Raki, Vidal) oriented, none combination doesn't look too perfect.
I am currently so desperate that even I would give another shot to Coutinho at Iniesta's position, at least at Camp Nou matches
Busi-Frenkie-Cou, or even forum's beloved Frenkie-Arthur-Cou sounds better than Busi-Frenkie-Arthur.
To me, those 3 are defensive midfielders and it isn't too much better than the hated Busi-Raki-Vidal midfield.
This might be the first team i'm fully agreeing with you about our midfield
Frenkie is like the perfect Barca CM/DM, great addition, but not enough. Coutinho was bought to play as an attacking minded midfielder so if he doesn't play there or get's sold he should be replacement by another player that can provide some assists/goals. Frenkie should be the replacement of either Raki or Busi, not Coutinho.
Maybe the club thinks Alena can take that roll but it seems unlikely.
...but who cares, we already know it's gonna be Busi-Raki-Frenkie and Messi will keep doing everything
Arizona Scott
New member
I completely agree here. He simply add a dynamism and athletic attributes (and stamina) along with the technique, fast thinking brain and field sense in one package. He will add so much and must (and will be) 1st choice among midfielders on the team sheet.
I will apply this even more to Busi. Be it for Spain (where he should get a lot of physical and technique filled midfield compatriots) or whoever he plays with at Barca he is going to play like a relic and slow his midfielder companions down. I am more concerned with Busi being a barrier to fundamentally remaking our midfield and approach. Personally they both should go while they have value, and a youngish, physical, do it all type like a younger wijnaldum comes in. Grand view is maybe getting Havertz out of Germany with proceeds from Coutinho. That midfield would (de Jong, Arthur, Havertz) boss everyone and allow Messi even more creative license in the final 3rd and ask of him to chase off the ball less.
At least one of Busi/Raki/Vidal should leave. I would sell 2 of them and give Alena and Puig more time with FDJ, Arthur as starters with a creative midfielder (Coutinho if he stays or buy a new one like Eriksen)
BenRobbins
New member
Didnt have the greatest of games last night.
He's bound to have a few bad games now and again till he gets older then becomes consistent so its to be expected.
He's bound to have a few bad games now and again till he gets older then becomes consistent so its to be expected.
He played almost every Ajax game these last few months with them being in a narrow race in the league and going far in CL. Add the domestic cup to that.
In the NL semis he played almost 120 min, running the most on the pitch. A few days later he plays against Portugal.
Can't blame him for being both physically and mentally tired. Well deserved vacation for him now.
In the NL semis he played almost 120 min, running the most on the pitch. A few days later he plays against Portugal.
Can't blame him for being both physically and mentally tired. Well deserved vacation for him now.
He was overplayed this season but don't worry, he'll get enough rest next year.
He’ll be fine at RB ..
He would want his friend to join him. Doubt Barça needs to ask for his help.
Magyarkhan
New member
Just dont worry, all will be ok
Messigician
Senior Member
Very excited to see De Jong in action
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