Barcelona manager has chosen his Sergio Busquets replacement next summer, amid uncertainty on his Barca future.
Since Frenkie de Jong was under consideration for a transfer away from Camp Nou and Sergio Busquets was nearing the end of his playing career, the number six position at FC Barcelona was a source of controversy during the summer transfer window.
However, the Dutchman ultimately decided to stay with the team, a decision that did not seem to be particularly beneficial for Barça given the midfielder’s high salary.
However, a month into the new campaign, it appears Xavi is willing to prioritize de Jong in his first-team plans. In fact, according to Diario SPORT, the Barcelona coach has decided that the former Ajax starlet is the best replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Right now, Busquets is without a doubt Barcelona’s first pick for the defensive midfield position. The veteran provides maturity and experience unlike anybody else. However, he is not as physically fit as he once was at the age of 34, forcing Xavi to choose rotation.
When Busquets was suspended earlier in the season against Real Sociedad, he was notabley benched in matches against Elche and Viktoria Plzen.
READ MORE: Manchester United were interested in signing 31-year-old French and Barcelona forward in the summer
In each of the three games, Xavi has favored de Jong to play the number six position. Due to his technical proficiency and ability to manage the game’s speed, it would seem that the Barcelona coach holds the Dutchman in high regard.
The quick ascent to fame of Pedri and Gavi can also be blamed for forcing De Jong into a number six position. De Jong has been kept off the team due to the two teenagers’ outstanding recent play and performance in the interior midfield position.
The Dutchman’s ability to play in the holding midfield position, though, makes it seem like Barcelona has discovered the perfect balance in their midfield ranks, which might be helpful in the future.
