This is a column against me. I admit it from the beginning: I would never have taken Casadó, an exceptional canterano, to make Frenkie de Jong, whom he would have condemned without mercy on the ostracism of the bench. There are more: in recent years, I have often discovered shouting the TV before the nth defensive disconnection of the Dutch, who floated bewildered before the rivals at the worst time, slowed the ball until baking or saved forcefulness when the play asked for a knife. After six, no less than six, hesitant seasons in Barça, by Jong had given plenty of reasons for the club to accept any decent middle offer and thus recover part of the 75 million that were paid for that twenty -year -old man who dazzled in Ajax. If I maintained my half animosity at bay, it was for the unwavering faith of the head of this section, Joanjo Pallàs, in the virtues of the blond midfielder, even when the cause was indefensible.
I don’t look for comfort, but mine is a common sin among the culerada . After a few seasons without brightness, we lower our thumb before players who excited us upon arrival but did not meet expectations. It also happened with Raphinha, whom a good part of the Culés would have invoiced Arabia a few months ago and now we rub our eyes because the Brazilian is deservedly putting a golden ball face.
We have forgotten that some players need years of maturation
Luckily, they are in command Flick and patience. The bet of German coach for reconnecting De Jong, who probably lives his best moment as Blaugrana, is not only a lifeguard now that Casadó has been injured at the decisive moment of the season, it is also an invitation to learn from the past and value ours. Jong is 27 years old. Only 27. For giving perspective: it is the age at which Modric reached Real Madrid to be a legend, that of the Raphinha explosion (he turned 28 in December) or in which another culé myth, Xavi Hernández, definitely took the reins of Barça and the National Team and dried the criticisms of his game. That there were and many. Used in the club to premature talents, from Messi to Cubarsí or Lamine Yamal, we have forgotten that some players need years of maturation to take a definitive step in front. With Dembélé, another desperate player for the fans (forgive me, father, I have also sinned) something similar happened. He polished his imperfections and his inconsistency in Barça and flew to the PSG just when he was prepared to shine. It will be a coincidence: Dembélé, who today dazzles in Europe, is 27 years old.
From Jong, luckily and for Flick, he continues in Barça and has become the best Pedri squire just when Barça prepares for the definitive battles.
Blessed the patience of the 27.
#Frenkie #patience #Xavier #Aldekoa
