Barcelona midfielder Frenkie reveals why he prefers playing in a double-pivot system

De Jong says that in a double-pivot system it's easier for him to get creative.

Frenkie reckons that last season he didn't take perhaps as much risk as he should have.

Under Koeman, Barca play with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which should benefit the Dutch midfielder.

"I prefer to play in a double pivot system. In a single pivot system, you have less freedom to move and fetch the ball.

You have to watch your position. That changes when you have a partner by your side because in that sense you have more freedom," Frenkie de Jong has told El Pais.

"I’ve always played the same way, so I don’t feel like I’m taking a risk. But, for example, I think last year I did it less than I used to. So this year I will have to do more.

"Why didn't I take that much risk last year? I don’t know. Perhaps because I received the ball more in our field and, then, in that area, it is not ideal and more difficult to do certain things with the ball. It is different when you receive it in the rival field.

"It depends on where you received the ball; if you made the pass forward or backwards. Sometimes you can have a worse [passing] percentage, but most of the passes are forward. So, what is more important?"

Last season, De Jong was mainly used as a central midfielder with Sergio Busquets playing as the pivot. However, Ronald Koeman has implemented the 4-2-3-1 formation at Barcelona, which should allow Frenkie to feel more comfortable on the pitch.