Frenkie De Jong Takes Dig At FC Barcelona Coach Xavi

Frenkie de Jong has criticized how FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez uses him while on international duty for the Netherlands.

The playmaker was dubbed the best midfielder in the world by many after helping his country beat highly-ranked Russia 2018 World Cup semi-finalists Belgium 4-1 in a UEFAEFA
Nations League match at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Friday.

Asked to pass comment following the rout, De Jong noted that: “Here in the national team I have a position that suits me better.”

Under Xavi, young plays as an ‘interior’ in a two man partnership in front of Sergio Busquets. But for Holland, he occupies the Barca captain’s pivot role.

“I like being the first player to receive the ball from the defenders,” De Jong confirmed.

Post-match, his international manager Louis Van Gaal heaped praise on De Jong.

“It is always a victory for the collective, but there are people who can excel in the collective which is of course great,” Van Gaal explained to local broadcaster NOS.

“There are always stars in certain matches, but in this one, Frenkie de Jong and Steven Bergwijn, that was incredible how those two played.”

Also knowing how to get the best out of his former charge, De Jong is of course fancied by Erik ten Hag who has just taken over at Manchester United.

The ex-Ajax boss played De Jong in the pivot role which saw him win the Champions League’s Best Midfielder award in 2018/2019 and put on masterclasses against the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus as the Amsterdam outfit made an unlikely run to the semi-finals that season.

This was enough to attract interest from Barca, who paid €75mn ($80.4mn) for his services that summer. Yet the club’s financial predicament has led many to suggest that the 25-year-old is up for sale, with United said to have opened talks starting with an €85mn ($91mn) offer.

“I recently spoke extensively with the trainer [Xavi]. That was a very good conversation,” De Jong revealed this week.

“I will not go into that [the links to United]. Not even about other names or clubs. I used to be naive and open-minded about it. I don’t do that anymore,” he added.

Now it remains to be seen how De Jong’s words will be heeded by Xavi, and whether De Jong can wait another season or two until taking Busquet’s role or will wish to move on already.