Last summer, Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong was involved in a long transfer talk as Manchester United heavily sought after his signature amid Barcelona’s financial struggles. The midfielder stood his ground and insisted he wanted to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place even if it meant taking a wage cut.
De Jong got his wish and he has continued to impress his coach Xavi Hernandez, so much so that the Spaniard now believes the dutchman is currently one of the best in his position in the world.
While speaking to the press after a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao yesterday, Xavi said, “He’s been at an extraordinary level for months now. He goes through the middle to receive, generates superiority. He loses few balls, breaks lines, he’s one of the best midfielders in the world.”
The 25-year-old has been an ever-present player in Barcelona’s starting line-up this season, playing 33 matches in all competitions. He has scored two goals and assisted one but his job is far more concentrated on Barcelona stamping dominance and controlling the game in the middle of the park.
Barcelona host rivals Real Madrid next on Sunday at the Camp Nou in La Liga and Frenkie de Jong is expected to feature if he stays fit and healthy.
The Catalan giants maintained a nine-point gap between them and Real Madrid in second and a victory over them will stretch that gap to 12 points. That should give them a breather.
