Hansi Flick is poised to hand a rare starting opportunity to a long-overlooked Barcelona talent in the upcoming Copa del Rey clash.
The German coach, known for ruthless meritocracy, has reshaped the midfield hierarchy with a surprise starter excelling alongside Pedri, prompting benchings amid health issues, family matters and form dips that have sidelined a key asset for nearly a month.
Facing third-division minnows at Estadio Pedro Escartín – a 6,000-capacity venue far from Camp Nou glamour – presents low-risk minutes for youth integration and veterans to rebuild sharpness ahead of Villarreal and year-end fixtures, while preserving stars like Lewandowski amid back concerns.
That midfielder is Frenkie de Jong, absent from December starts and handed a “litmus test” by Mundo Deportivo to reclaim his pivot role against the lower-tier side, reports Mundo Deportivo.
The Dutchman, once untouchable, now battles Eric García’s emergence – the ex-Man City youth product dominating with progressive passes and interceptions in recent outings, including the Osasuna stalemate.
De Jong’s chance arrives as Flick rotates heavily, with Szczesny recovered from illness and youth like Cubarsí potentially featuring, but failure risks prolonging García’s stranglehold heading into league action.
Barcelona enter as reigning Copa holders, having lifted the trophy last season in a domestic treble, yet Flick demands focus even against inferiors – Guadalajara sit mid-table in Primera Federación, posing no major threat but testing rotation efficacy.
De Jong craves rhythm to partner Pedri again, his technical vision and carrying key to unlocking low blocks that frustrated against Osasuna.
Success could accelerate his recall; a poor showing cements García’s favouritism.
This tie underscores Flick’s depth philosophy: no guarantees by reputation, only performance.
Guadalajara offers De Jong redemption, but the onus falls squarely on delivering amid heightened competition for places in a title-chasing engine room.
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