De Jong rises to the challenge: Barca conquer the cup without Pedri
4 February 2026
De Jong steps in to fill Pedri’s void as Barca edge past Albacete in the Copa del Rey
Pedri’s injury on January 22 in Prague, during the Champions League tie with Slavia Praha, sparked concerns for Barcelona given how central he is to the Blaugrana midfield. The Canary Islands-born midfielder sustained a right hamstring problem that ruled him out for roughly a month, a setback that could have unsettled Barça’s rhythm.
In Pedri’s absence, Frenkie de Jong stepped forward and delivered a display that recalled his Ajax days, reminding Barça fans why the club invested so heavily in him in 2019. The Dutchman showed his versatility, threading passes, contributing defensively, and seizing moments to drive the team forward.
Mundo Deportivo noted on Tuesday that “In Pedri’s absence, De Jong has stood out, having played several high-level matches and evoking memories of the Ajax breakthrough that Barça bought for a sizable fee in 2019.”
The report also highlighted Barca’s decision to extend De Jong’s contract to June 2029, signaling the club’s confidence in him as a long-term engine for the side despite ongoing debates about his role in the squad.
His importance was further underscored in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Albacete, a 2-1 Barça win where De Jong appeared everywhere on the pitch, contributing on both ends of the field.
Statistically, De Jong was Barça’s third-most involved player with 92 touches, behind Lamine Yamal (106) and Eric Garcia (104). He edged out Gerard Martin (75) and even matched the night’s top ball recoveries with five, equal to Yamal. He completed 80 passes—the most in Barça’s build-up—and ranked second in the final third for successful actions, underscoring his all-around influence.
Offensively, his decisive quality shone through when he delivered the assist to Lamine Yamal for the opening goal, underscoring his vision and timing in Pedri’s absence.
Mundo Deportivo wrapped by noting that De Jong’s step forward was undeniable, reinforcing his centrality to Barcelona’s plans under coach Xavi as the team navigates a demanding run of fixtures.
So, Pedri out? Fine. Barça found a workaround that looks more like a strategic upgrade. De Jong isn’t just filling space; he’s redefining how Barça controls the tempo when one of their creative engines is sidelined. And yes, the club’s fans can breathe a sigh of relief—football’s best substitutions often come with a wink and a sprint, and tonight De Jong delivered both. Punchline #1: Pedri may be the heart, but De Jong’s brain just downloaded a masterclass. Punchline #2: Barça’s midfield now runs on De Jong-ergy; knock, knock, who’s there? Barca, ready to break the cup ties with style.
