Barcelona given significant boost with the return of star midfielder

Barcelona picked up their first three points in this new iteration of the Champions League in a 5-0 rout of Young Boys.

For Hansi Flick, perhaps as important as the win is the fact he was able to give Frenkie de Jong some minutes in the second half.

The Dutch midfielder had been out for nearly six months after suffering an ankle injury last season in a match against Real Madrid.

There was a lot of uncertainty and rumors surrounding his injury and when he could conceivably be back. He received the medical green light on Tuesday, hours before the start of the game. De Jong ended up coming in during the second half and playing a little over 15 minutes.

"I am really happy with the win and, personally, to be back playing," De Jong said after the match. "The fans gave me a good reception and I'm grateful for that because you never know how you'll be received. I didn't expect it. I'm happy with the way I was welcomed back."

Again, part of that has to do with was speculated with regards to De Jong's injury. Then there is the ongoing saga surrounding the progress, or lack thereof, his contract renewal. During the Joan Gamper match, when they were introducing the players, there were audible whistles when De Jong was introduced.

“They said a lot of things about me, that I don’t want to have surgery and that they pay me a lot of money. Very high figures, like €37million and it’s very, very far from that," De Jong said in an interview with the club.

“I understand people who are frustrated because they think I’m getting paid a lot of money, they say he has to have surgery but he doesn’t want it and he’s on holiday, he’s not training. But it’s not true."

Given the quality De Jong possesses and how players have improved during Hansi Flick's tenure so far, there is anticipation with what he can do with the Dutchman.

"For Frenkie today was an important step, to come back to the team after having suffered such a serious injury, playing some mins today was important for him," Flick said. "I would have liked to have used him earlier but he came on when he did, he's come a long way, got some touches, ran a little bit, it was important for him to feel like a football player again, and get that feeling back."

Judging by those initial comments by Flick, he is likely going to want to to work with De Jong on when to run, when to press. Especially in a match that had already been decided and with De Jong just coming off the injury.

With the number of injuries Barcelona has at the moment, particularly in midfield, having another option for Flick is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. Particularly a player like De Jong who Flick can utilize as part of the double pivot alongside Marc Casadó. Flick was using Andreas Christensen and later Eric Garcia as emergency options.

It also allows Flick to use Pedri in a more advanced role, which is where he can do the most damage.

With the number of games on the schedule, having more options is a good thing for Barcelona. With Frenkie de Jong back and the likes of Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Dani Olmo on the horizon, Flick is getting closer to having a full squad at his disposal.