Barcelona manager Hansi Flick convinced by star’s quality but disappointed by performances

Barcelona have started the season on fire, in no small part down to the impressive contributions from a number of players that were not expected to be key players in Hansi Flick‘s new era. However some of the stars are returning, and are yet to meet the bar set by the German manager.

One of those is Frenkie de Jong, who is yet to complete a full match with Barcelona, coming off against Real Sociedad on Sunday with a knock to his shin. According to Diario AS, Flick is not happy with what he has seen from the Dutchman so far. He considers that his play has been too slow, and that he takes too many touches, in contrast to the up-tempo play of the rest of the side.

Flick is convinced that de Jong has the quality to play a key role at Barcelona, and that it could be useful to his side throughout the season, but feels that his contribution is making the Blaugrana more predictable currently. During the game against La Real, it was his slowing of an attack that led to his injury, rather than giving the ball off quickly.

The 27-year-old is at a crossroads in his Barcelona career, with his contract up in two years time, and little certainty on what type of role the Dutchman will have in a new-look outfit. There is pessimism about his contract renewal, and currently, about his ability to lock down a spot in the starting line-up.