Frenkie de Jong has emerged as one of Barcelona's pillars in recent times, taking advantage of Pedri's absence due to injury, to confirm his great importance in the team's lineup, after delivering a comprehensive performance both defensively and offensively during the match against Albacete at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium.

According to the Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo', Pedri's injury in the right thigh's hamstring, which he sustained during the match against Slavia Prague in the Champions League, was a significant blow for Barcelona. However, De Jong succeeded in filling the gap and delivered high-level performances reminiscent of his previous brilliance with Ajax, justifying the club's decision to renew his contract until June 2029.

The newspaper explained that the Dutch international was one of Barcelona's most influential players in the match, ranking third in terms of touches with 92, behind Lamine Yamal and Eric. He also excelled defensively by recovering five balls, equal to Yamal, in addition to his prominent role in playmaking by completing 80 successful passes, making him the most frequent passer in the team.

The report added that De Jong's offensive impact was clearly evident through his decisive pass that created Barcelona's first goal, confirming that he has become an indispensable element in Hans Flick's system and the main link in the midfield during Pedri's absence.