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Written by Martin Graham | 6 June 2022
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, after Holland’s Nations League match against Belgium, spoke of his role with the national team better than what suits him in Barcelona.
A few days ago, in what could be described as a landslide victory, the Netherlands defeated Belgium at home 1-4, taking them to advance in Group D of the Nations League. De Jong’s playmaking genius didn’t go unnoticed in the match as he was pivotal in some of the goals scored that earned her a convincing win.
Holland coach Louis van Gaal, who realized that the result was the product of a team effort that had to distinguish the 24-year-old from among a number of players who performed exceptionally well.
The former Manchester United manager said of De Jong after the match: “It’s always a collective victory, but there are people who can excel in a group which is of course great.
“There are always stars in some matches, but in this match, Frenkie de Jong and Steven Bergwijn – it was unbelievable how these two players played.”
De Jong also spoke about his performance after the match. “I think that suits me better,” he said.
De Jong is not interested in leaving Barcelona
The former Ajax Amsterdam midfielder has certainly convinced Barcelona of his qualities with this performance against one of the best midfielders in the world – Kevin De Bruyne.
If they were thinking of selling it, they would surely have second thoughts now. But De Jong has previously stated that he is not interested in leaving the Camp Nou.
De Jong said about his stance on the transfer links in the media: “Recently, I spoke extensively with the coach [Xavi]. It was a very good conversation. I won’t go into it [the transfer links]. Not even about other names or clubs.
“I used to be naive and open about it. I don’t do that anymore. I understand this link is made. This sum isn’t that hard, it makes sense.”
“I’ve enjoyed working with Ten Haag at Ajax – and I can’t look to the future, of course. But I’d rather stay in Barcelona.
“This club has been my dream and it still is. As long as I haven’t heard from the club’s management, I suppose nothing happened.”
