4 positions in two weeks: Barcelona star forces himself on Flick with exceptional numbers

What did he offer in the Atlético Madrid clash?

Sunday's clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid produced a rare consensus around Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman won praise from critics and defenders alike on a night when Hansi Flick surprised everyone, Diego Simeone included, by fielding him at right-back. It was an unexpected call that threw the player into a difficult test during a crucial battle at the top of La Liga.

According to the newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", a section of the fans praised de Jong's willingness to help the team in a role new to him, without objection or hesitation. Others felt Flick simply cannot do without his technical qualities, whatever position he occupies, especially since the player has proven his ability to add value in more than one role recently.

Lining up at right-back, de Jong rarely played the part of a traditional full-back. He drifted into midfield whenever Barcelona had the ball, the position he filled after Marc Bernal's departure. Simeone refused to treat Flick's decision as a weakness, too. Rather than throw on a traditional winger to exploit the space, he kept Alex Baena out there, a player who leans on skill rather than pace and dribbling.

The Dutch midfielder proved he can still compete hard for a spot in the starting line-up. It won't be easy. Barcelona boast prominent names such as Pedri Gonzalez, who turned in a fine display at the Wanda Metropolitano, and Rodri, who will become indispensable once he shakes off injury. Add Marc Bernal, whose technical traits hand the team different solutions, and Gavi, still clinging to hope of reclaiming his place.

Humility defined de Jong's approach to his new situation. He knows he has to fight his way back into the first team after months out, leaning on his experience and his knack for adapting to the coaching staff's demands. That adaptability has been obvious since his return, with four different positions in a remarkably short spell.

His run began in the playmaker role during the closing minutes of the Clasico against Real Madrid. He then started as a centre-back against Alaves, before shifting to right-back in the second half against Atletico Madrid. He also returned to midfield late on against Aston Villa and Atletico, living through one of the strangest weeks of his professional career.

De Jong's statistics across just 45 minutes against Atletico Madrid laid bare his influence on Barcelona's performance. He topped the team for completed passes in the final attacking third with 22. He also sat fourth for total successful passes, having completed 65 out of 67 at a 97% success rate.

Only Pedri bettered de Jong for passes, recording 66 alongside the centre-backs Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, who now routinely top this category. The former completed 106 passes, the latter 69. The Dutchman also came seventh among Barcelona's players for touches with 74, and recovered the ball three times.

Away from the numbers, though, de Jong's biggest impact came in his ability to impose Barcelona's control during the second half. His usual calmness on the ball helped choke the threat of Atletico Madrid, as did his clear understanding with Pedri. Add his commitment to defensive duties and his focus in the duels, qualities not always on show during some of his earlier spells.

Nobody expected de Jong at right-back, and the approaching return of the injured defenders may mean it never happens again. Yet the experiment brought the team a degree of stability. It showed the player's willingness to sacrifice for the group, even at the expense of his preferred position.

In the end, there is no point overrating his previous levels or wildly celebrating one match. Nailing down a first-team place at Barcelona will stay a tough ask given the fierce competition in midfield. What deserves attention is the new version of de Jong: greater commitment, greater readiness to adapt to the team's needs, and no loss of technical quality. Barcelona need exactly that if they want to fight for every trophy this season.