According to reports, Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has identified a key partnership, one involving Lionel Messi, that he wants to build in his team.

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The Dutchman is looking to build up the link between the Argentine superstar and rising Dutch talent Frenkie de Jong, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Messi's scoring rate has not been as impressive as it has been in recent seasons since the beginning of this campaign, while many feel De Jong is yet to live up to his full potential at the Camp Nou.

Both players are a vital part of Koeman's squad, but there is concern regarding their combination on the pitch, with the pair not linking up enough.

It is claimed in the report that Messi most often passes the ball to Sergio Busquets, Miralem Pjanic, Philippe Coutinho and Jordi Alba, while De Jong is usually surrounded by Ousmane Dembele, Gerard Pique and Alba.

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Looking deeper, it has been suggested that there are games that barely even see a single pass between the two stars, something Koeman has now seemingly identified as an area that needs strengthening.

It is believed the lack of interaction boils down to their natural positions and movement on the pitch, and it will be interesting to see if it is something Koeman can alter in the weeks ahead.

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