How to use Frenkie De Jong at Barca β
The million dollar question. How to use Frenkie De Jong? Several want him to play as a single pivot in 4-3-3 & replace Busquets, but as I said in a previous thread that would restrict Frenkie.
A formation is something abstract. It exists on paper, but in modern football itβs very hard determining the formation of a team. Teams approach games in different ways. Often with a dynamic system with several tweaks.
Against Atletico Madrid you saw Dani Alves push inside when we had the ball, functioning as a defensive midfielder. You saw Gavi coming in centrally, while Traore played as a traditional wide winger. On paper it was a 4-3-3, in reality it was something different.
Thatβs also my point. When using Frenkie, the formation isnβt the key. Whether itβs a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 is not the most important factor. The most important factor is that we utilize his abilities. His strengths.
Frenkie is a world class ball carrier. He averages 7.41 progressive carries, which is among the top 5% best midfielders in the world at that area. He is very good at dribbling & keeping the ball under pressure. A monster with the ball at his feet.
However he likes to control the games. We should allow him to receive the ball deep despite Busquets being the defensive midfielder. If Frenkie drops deep, Alba can push wide & go forward which will create space for him.
He can then carry the ball forward & have the possibility of combining with his teammates. Frenkie should be a player that joins the attacks. He has all the abilities to be a danger in the last third. He is generating a good xA as it is already.
If Busquets & Frenkie play deeper to receive the ball. Pedri should push up even further to stretch the opponents team and be an option going forward. Like he did against Atletico.
A player such as Frenkie is a dream to have. We just need to be realistic regarding what we can expect from him.
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