De Jong makes Clásico return after warning about his playing time

De Jong had warned that he did not want to settle into a prolonged spell on the bench. His return in Sunday’s Clásico gave fresh weight to that position: Frenkie de Jong was back on the pitch and produced a notable performance. He was involved in 233 passes, completing 217 of them — 93.13 per cent — with 211 played short.

Aged 29, the Dutch midfielder was returning after suffering a ligament tear during the World Cup. The injury affected the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. After recovering, he had been called up by Flick for matches against Betis in LaLiga and PSG in the Champions League. In the Clásico, the coach eventually gave him playing time.

De Jong came on for Fermín López and played as an attacking midfielder, an unfamiliar role for him. His return therefore came away from his usual position, but he showed that he had recovered from the serious injury. The former Ajax professional is resisting the prospect of being sidelined for an extended period.

A few days earlier, De Jong had already spoken about wanting a more prominent place in the team. “I have never experienced being on the bench for a prolonged period, and I hope I do not have to this season. I am now completely fit, getting stronger every day, and hope to play more minutes soon. I know I need to return gradually, but my long-term goal is to play regularly and get back into the starting eleven as soon as possible,” he told Ziggo Sport. He also objected to the effect of the discussion around him on his reputation: “They are damaging my image.”

Hansi Flick praised his contribution: “He had trained very well and gives us a lot of strength on the ball. It was very important for us that he played a few minutes.” Fermín currently occupies the attacking-midfield position, which has been left somewhat short-handed by Dani Olmo’s injury. De Jong’s Clásico display therefore offered a tangible sign of his return as he seeks to work his way back to a regular place.