Boulahrouz sees Rodri as untouchable in Barcelona’s midfield

Frenkie de Jong faces a tough battle to reclaim a place in Barcelona’s midfield: Khalid Boulahrouz believes Rodri is firmly established in the starting line-up and that the Dutchman will have to compete with Pedri for the other available spot. The former Netherlands international says De Jong’s return to the pitch is approaching, but winning back a starting role could be one of the hardest challenges of his career at the club, following changes in midfield during his absence.

Boulahrouz believes Rodri’s arrival has transformed Barcelona’s midfield balance. In Hansi Flick’s system, Rodri would occupy the position in front of the defence, while the more advanced roles would generally go to Dani Olmo or Fermín López. That would leave De Jong competing directly with Pedri for the remaining place.

“As long as Rodri is there, I think that position will remain his. He is an undisputed starter and currently the best midfielder in the world; he can win the ball back, attack and make an immediate impact… He is the ideal choice for that position,” Boulahrouz said. In his view, the contest between De Jong and Pedri does not erase their differences: “It will be a real competition between Pedri and Frenkie… They are both great players. Personally, I enjoy watching Frenkie. However, they are two different types of player.”

He distinguishes between the midfielders’ roles. Pedri, he explained, focuses more on finding the forwards and linking midfield with attack. De Jong, by contrast, acts as a playmaker from the first stages of building from the back and offers the team a reference point, both on and off the ball.

The competition does not rule out another arrangement. Boulahrouz has not dismissed the possibility of Flick playing all three together: “I think all three of them can also play very well together.”