Hansi Flick should start out-of-favor Barcelona midfielder against Real Betis — Opinion | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to face Real Betis in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, aiming to build on the impressive form they displayed in the Spanish Super Cup final, where they defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-2.

Hansi Flick faces a crucial decision regarding his starting XI for the home clash against Betis later today. With the team coming off a high-intensity game just a few days ago, prioritizing squad rotation will be essential to effectively manage player fatigue.

As the second half of the season approaches, Barcelona cannot rely on the same starting XI for every game and expect them to maintain the intensity they displayed against Real Madrid throughout the campaign. Hansi Flick must begin utilizing the depth of his squad to ensure consistency and avoid burnout.

One player the German coach should consider starting against Real Betis is Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfield maestro has found himself on the fringes of the first team and was notably left out of the action during the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

However, the 27-year-old cannot prove he deserves a regular place in the team unless he is given opportunities to do so. Starting him against Real Betis in place of either Pedri or Marc Casadó would be a smart move by Hansi Flick.

Both Pedri and Marc Casadó are exceptional talents, but Flick will need to carefully manage their workload for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong is a player of immense quality, and the last time he started for Barcelona, he delivered an impressive performance.

If Frenkie de Jong is given the chance to start, simply having a good game against Betis won’t be enough. The Dutchman must aim for an exceptional performance that forces Hansi Flick to seriously consider him for regular team selection.

The next few months could prove to be pivotal for Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona. It remains to be seen whether Flick will trust him with a starting role and, more importantly, if the midfielder can seize the opportunity with a standout performance against Betis—and hopefully beyond.