Midfield star Frenkie de Jong is one of those players who is repeatedly traded as a potential newcomer to FC Bayern. The Dutchman is currently going through a rather difficult time at FC Barcelona. His compatriot Ronald de Boer thinks he knows the reasons for this.
Frenkie de Jong’s most recent winning goal to 1-0 against CD Alavés should have taken a lot of the pressure off the kettle. After losing the Supercopa Clásico against Real Madrid and the already very difficult last few months, the 24-year-old was able to move his team to fifth place in the table and thus within reach of qualifying for the Champions League.
“The win was extremely important because we are in a difficult phase of the season,” said the midfield strategist afterwards, adding: “We absolutely have to improve our game.”
Former Ajax star Ronald de Boer then revealed how the 38-time international could make a better impression in the Barca jersey “El País“. The 51-year-old once played for the Catalans for a year and a half.
“He seems a little lost”
According to de Boer, De Jong absolutely has to take the position “on the six”, i.e. move into defensive midfield, in order to call up his full potential. However, club icon Sergio Busquets has been there for years, so Frenkie de Jong is more likely to be used on the eight.
“He’s currently suffering,” said de Boer’s long-distance diagnosis: “When I see him on the pitch now, I get the impression that he’s very intimidated. He doesn’t show the energy that he usually has. He seems a little lost .”
According to the former world-class midfielder, one of the reasons for the lack of form is the many changes on the coaching bench at the Barcelona club. “On top of that, Busquets is still playing in the centre.” The Spaniard is an “incredible” player, but his age is causing him more and more problems. De Jong is “the future”, while Busquets is heading towards the end of his career.
De Jong’s contract with the Catalans runs until 2026. In view of the major financial problems, rumors have recently increased that the club wants to sell the Dutchman. In addition to FC Bayern, Manchester United is also repeatedly mentioned as an alleged interested party.