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Ronald Koeman decided to give Frenkie de Jong a new role in Barcelona’s starting lineup and his compatriot impressed, producing his best performance this season in a 1-0 win over Levante.
The Dutch coach moved De Jong from a holding position to a right inner midfield position, despite insisting that the former Ajax midfielder should figure as a pivot where he used him when they worked together for the national team.
Koeman’s gamble paid off as De Jong helped with team pressure high up the field and presented himself as an extra body in the opponents’ box when the hosts were attacking.
While Barcelona lack internal midfielders this season, the Dutchman stood out in the position not only for his overall display but also for his participation in Lionel Messi’s decisive goal.
It was the Dutchman who stopped Levante’s preparation, stealing the ball and removing the Barcelona captain who broke the deadlock for the Catalan team.
Koeman needs to help the players who have struggled in this first leg of the season and his compatriot could play a vital role in the rest of the season if he can rediscover his form.
The Barcelona coach used Sunday’s game as an opportunity to make some tactical changes and experiment, also placing forward Martin Braithwaite as a left winger.
This test was not as successful as De Jong’s, as the former Leganés striker hardly created any danger in front of Levante’s goal and returned to his natural position later in the game.
Meanwhile, Barcelona finished the match with five defenders, as Samuel Umtiti replaced Antoine Griezmann late in the game.
The blaugrana had gone ahead a few minutes before this change and Koeman was willing for the locals to keep the three points, without taking risks in the last minutes of the match.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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