Frenkie de Jong, annoyed with his situation at Barcelona

The Dutch midfielder has been left out of the line up for all the big games so far

Frenkie de Jong was one of the protagonists in the summer window. Barcelona wanted to sell him to Manchester United but he decided to stay, and to stay without lowering his salary, despite the club making it clear that they wanted him to.

The Dutchman thought he would have a big role for Xavi but the reality is otherwise. He’s not been counted on in the big games and he’s starting to be disappointed with his situation. He was a sub against Inter Milan, and we’ll have to see if Xavi find room for him in the Clasico.

De Jong was an indisputable starter last season even though he finished the season annoyed with Xavi always choosing him to come off first. He took his substitutions professionally. This summer he realised that things might not go well when Xavi used him at centre-back in the friendlies. He wants more minutes and above all, more protagonism.

The reality is that De Jong did not start against Sevilla, or Bayern, or Inter. The other Inter game he missed injured. Xavi has made it clear thus far that Busquets, Gavi and Pedri are the midfield three for him and they are likely to start in Madrid.

The Dutch midfielder hopes his his luck will change after a good appearance off the bench against Inter. He helped the team after coming on with driving runs forward.

Xavi hasn’t seen him as a Busquets replacement and if he stays behind Xavi and Pedri then he might look to go, although his big objective is to succeed at Barca.

Man United have maintained contact with his people and from England they say their doors are open still. Not only would he be a starter there but a key player for the Ten Hag project, the flagbearer, something he has never been at Barca.

Let’s see what happens in the Clasico. He hopes to play, and have a good World Cup too after that. If it doesn’t happen, his displeasure will increase.