After four disappointing years, the former Ajax player found a perfect role at Barça and became one of the best midfielders in the world.
In mid-August, Frenkie de Jong gave an interview to the Catalan newspaper “El Periódico”. In a lengthy conversation, he acknowledged that he was on the verge of leaving Barcelona after a summer of speculation in 2022. He admitted that he was aware of the criticism he regularly received in his first years at the club. But most importantly, he has made it clear that he never wants to play anywhere else again.
De Jong is undoubtedly saying these things because he wants a new contract, something Barcelona are reportedly willing to offer. But there is also a great deal of truth in his claims.
De Jong’s four years at Camp Nou have not gone exactly as planned. He cost the Blaugrana €75 million and didn’t seem like a perfect fit from day one. Initially he was asked to play a role for which he was not suitable. Then he underperformed in the place that seemed best to him. He was almost sold to Manchester United, but thanks to a series of tactical changes and unusual patience, De Jong has recovered.
The former Ajax midfielder always had unique skills, but he needed a coach who could configure them into a suitable system. Xavi has done just that, making De Jong an indispensable part of Barca’s team, a player who is now worth every cent of the exorbitant fee the club paid for his services in 2019.
Source: Goal