The Dutch coach moved De Jong from a holding to a right-inside midfield position, despite being adamant that the former Ajax midfielder should feature as pivot where he used him when they worked together for the national team.
Koeman's bet paid off as De Jong helped with the team's pressure high up the pitch and presented himself as an extra body in the rivals' box when the hosts were attacking.
While Barcelona are lacking inside midfielders this season, the Dutchman stood out in the position not only because of his overall display but also due to his participation in Lionel Messi's deciding goal.
It was the Dutchman who stopped Levante' build-up, stealing the ball and teeing up the Barcelona captain who broke the deadlock for the Catalan side.
Koeman needs to help those of the players who have struggled in this first stretch of the season and his compatriot could play a vital role in the remainder of the campaign if he manages to rediscover his form.
The Barcelona coach used Sunday's game as an opportunity to make some tactical changes and experiment, also placing striker Martin Braithwaite as a left winger.
This try-out was not as successful as De Jong's, as the former Leganes forward hardly created any danger in front of the Levante goal and moved back to his natural position later in the game.
Meanwhile, Barcelona ended the match with five defenders, as Samuel Umtiti replaced Antoine Griezmann late in the game.
The Blaugrana had taken the lead a few minutes before this change and Koeman was willing to ensure that the hosts kept all three points, without taking risks in the last few minutes of the encounter.
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