According to Goal.com, De Jong has reached a crucial turning point in his Barcelona career. German coach Flick has begun experimenting with him as a centre-back, a tactical adjustment that may address both his knee injury and the increasing competition for midfield positions.

Journalist Santi Ovalle revealed on Cadena SER that De Jong has been training as a centre-back since returning to full training, and there are indications that this option may become part of Flick's future plans.

According to Ovalle, there are deeper reasons for this tactical shift. Medical advice suggests that the player may need surgery, and without it, his knee could remain unstable, potentially affecting his movement on the pitch.

When playing in midfield, De Jong must constantly change direction and frequently accelerate and decelerate—all actions that demand high knee stability. By contrast, playing as a centre-back can reduce the frequency of these movements, though it does not entirely eliminate the physical demands of the position.

Flick's decision to deploy De Jong as a centre-back is not sudden. Before the Getafe match, Flick left this possibility open during his press conference, stating: "Of course, he can play there. We have many options, and De Jong is one option for centre-back."

The issue extends beyond his injury. Midfield competition for De Jong has intensified, with Bernal emerging as a viable alternative and Barcelona possessing other key midfielders. Flick may not view De Jong as a direct replacement for Pedri, which could be pushing him to find a new role for De Jong to secure more playing time.

Betis: A Window for Return

Regarding his recovery, recent signs are quite positive. Flick stated that De Jong feels good in training and is not experiencing pain, suggesting he could return for the Real Betis match, while also emphasizing that the club needs to give him sufficient time to regain full fitness.

The Barcelona manager said: "He might be able to return for the Betis game. He's in good condition, not feeling pain, but he needs time, and we'll give it to him."

The Dutch midfielder hopes to return to peak form before El Clásico against Real Madrid, though his return to action depends on his physical recovery and the technical staff's assessment.

Will a New Position Pave the Way for His Exit?

Repositioning De Jong as a centre-back also raises questions about his future at Barcelona. De Jong has spent most of his career in midfield and has always been an important player in that position.

If he feels this new role diminishes his status in midfield or does not suit his characteristics, it could influence his thinking about his future at the club. There is also speculation about whether this positional change relates to his prospects at Barcelona. However, there is currently no information confirming that Barcelona is considering his departure.

The real test will come once De Jong fully recovers. At that point, Flick's choices will reveal whether this shift to centre-back is a long-term transformation or a temporary solution implemented during his recovery phase and due to the team's current needs.

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