Frenkie de Jong’s right-back cameo earns praise after Flick reshuffle

Frenkie de Jong drew praise from the Spanish press after his unexpected deployment at right-back helped Barcelona turn their match against Atlético Madrid around. With his side disorganised and under pressure during the first half, coach Hansi Flick replaced Brian Fariñas at the interval and moved De Jong into the back line.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the switch restored order and gave Barcelona greater authority on the ball. De Jong’s positioning also helped create an overload alongside Fermín López and Lamine Yamal on the right, an area from which the move for Barcelona’s second goal developed. AS described Flick’s decision as an unexpected but decisive intervention.

Flick subsequently introduced Eric García at right-back and returned De Jong to midfield. Mundo Deportivo noted that the Dutchman helped Barcelona gain control both on the flank and through the centre, limiting Atlético’s earlier superiority. It also highlighted De Jong’s versatility: in four appearances since returning from injury, he has been used as an attacking midfielder, central defender, right-back and defensive midfielder.

Marca called Flick’s selection brave and awarded De Jong a 6.5 rating, while El País said his presence allowed Barcelona to retain possession for longer and build more effective attacks. The tactical adjustments ultimately left Flick’s team as the match winner and league leader, with the coach’s in-game management receiving widespread acclaim.