Frenkie de Jong curse? Just look at this Barcelona statistic
The numbers surrounding Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona are starting to look almost mystical.
Details: A remarkable statistic highlighted by The Touchline shows a striking contrast in Barcelona's results with and without Frenkie de Jong in the starting XI. By March last season, the Catalans were unbeaten in all 15 matches in which the Dutch midfielder did not start. At the same time, seven Barcelona defeats during that campaign came with De Jong included in the starting lineup.
The list is eye-catching. Barcelona lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain, 4-1 to Sevilla, 2-1 to Real Madrid, 3-0 to Chelsea, 2-1 to Real Sociedad, 4-0 to Atlético Madrid and 2-1 to Girona, with De Jong starting each of those matches.
- Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Barcelona
- Sevilla 4-1 Barcelona
- Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
- Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
- Real Sociedad 2-1 Barcelona
- Atlético Madrid 4-0 Barcelona
- Girona 2-1 Barcelona
The curious run has continued in the new campaign. Barcelona had won their first 10 competitive matches of the season without De Jong starting. The midfielder then returned to the squad for the 5-2 victory away to Real Betis on October 17, but remained an unused substitute. That means Barcelona have now started the season with 11 victories in 11 competitive matches without the Dutchman in the starting XI.
It is worth noting that De Jong is 29 years old and has represented Barcelona since 2019. His current contract with the Catalan club runs until June 30, 2029.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
