Is Frenkie de Jong indispensable? Spanish media: Netherlands and Barcelona do fine, even better, without the midfielder

When Frenkie de Jong was ruled out of the Euros due to an ankle injury, Dutch fans understandably felt a sense of concern. However, Ronald Koeman’s team demonstrated that they could progress admirably without the Barcelona midfielder. The Oranje displayed remarkable adaptability and team spirit in De Jong’s absence, advancing to the semi-finals of the European Championship and leaving a string of impressive performances along the way.

Under Koeman’s guidance, the Netherlands found new pillars in Ajax’s Ryan Gravenberch and PSV Eindhoven’s Steven Bergwijn. These two players rose to the challenge, filling the void left by De Jong and propelling the team confidently into the semis. The Dutch national team achieved a commendable record of 9 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses in the 13 matches without De Jong, demonstrating their competitive strength. In some instances, the team performed even better without him.

On the club front, Barcelona did not struggle in De Jong’s absence either. Instead, the Catalan giants seemed to find better chemistry without the Dutchman. In the 23 games this season that De Jong missed due to injury, suspension, or health reasons, Barcelona remained solid, losing only 4 matches and remaining unbeaten in the rest. This raises questions about whether De Jong is truly irreplaceable.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, De Jong’s absence has prompted both the Netherlands and Barcelona to tap into their squad’s latent potential. Other midfielders have seized their opportunities, showcasing their abilities and value. This not only highlights the importance of squad depth for Koeman and Barcelona’s coaching staff but also underscores that football is a team sport, where collective cohesion and adaptability often surpass individual star power.

As the Netherlands advances to the Euro semi-finals, Koeman’s tactical adjustments and the players’ excellent form have silenced domestic critics. Fans are now appreciating the team’s overall performance rather than relying solely on standout stars. At Barcelona, the management might reevaluate De Jong’s role, potentially putting him back on the transfer market this summer.