Xavi says Barca finally discovered one thing Cules were waiting for since 2019

 

"We have found the perfect position for Frenkie de Jong. He is very happy, you can tell," Xavi told the media after Barca's 3-0 win against Sevilla.

Playing as a central midfielder against Sevilla, De Jong often dropped deeper to play as a defensive midfielder too. In the second half, the Dutchman even formed a 'double-pivot' pairing with Pedri.

De Jong's heatmap v Sevilla, per SofaScore

This is the role Frenkie often plays with the Netherlands where he connects the defence with the midfield, sometimes making progressive runs with the ball.

De Jong did not register any key passes - something he often does in matches - but produced an impressive performance defensively.