Frenkie de Jong, also known as De Jon, is a name that has been making waves in the football world. The 23-year-old Dutch midfielder has quickly established himself as one of the brightest talents in Europe, catching the attention of top clubs with his impeccable passing and exceptional vision on the field. Find out with go99
De Jong’s Journey: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona Star
De Jong was born on May 12, 1997, in Arkel, Netherlands. He joined Willem II’s youth academy at the age of nine and spent seven years honing his skills before joining the renowned Ajax academy in 2015. His talent and potential were evident from the beginning, and he quickly rose through the ranks at Ajax, making his senior team debut in September 2016.
During his time at Ajax, De Jong played an instrumental role in the club’s success, helping them win the Eredivisie league title and reach the Europa League final in the 2016-17 season. His impressive performances caught the attention of top clubs, and in January 2019, he signed a five-year contract with Barcelona for a fee of €75 million.
De Jong’s first season at Barcelona was by no means easy. He had to adapt to a new league, language, and playing style. However, he quickly proved his worth and became a regular starter for the Catalan giants, forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic in midfield.
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Analyzing De Jong’s Impact on Barcelona’s Playing Style
De Jong’s style of play is often compared to that of Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez. He possesses a combination of technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball, which makes him a perfect fit for Barcelona’s possession-based playing style. Let’s take a closer look at how De Jong has influenced Barcelona’s playing style since his arrival.
Passing and Ball Control
One of De Jong’s strongest attributes is his passing ability. He has an impressive pass success rate of 91.8%, which is higher than any other midfielder in La Liga. His vision and ability to pick out the right pass have been crucial in Barcelona’s build-up play, helping them retain possession and control the tempo of the game.
De Jong’s close control and ability to dribble past opponents also make him a valuable asset in tight spaces. He averages 2.7 successful dribbles per game, which is the highest among Barcelona’s midfielders this season. His quick feet and excellent ball control allow him to escape pressure and create space for himself and his teammates.
Defensive Contributions
Despite being primarily known for his attacking prowess, De Jong’s defensive contributions cannot be overlooked. He has proven to be an excellent reader of the game, making timely interceptions and tackles to break up opposition attacks. He also boasts an impressive 86% tackle success rate, showcasing his ability to win back possession for his team.
De Jong’s work rate and tenacity in midfield have added an extra layer of defensive stability to Barcelona’s playing style. He has been praised by his teammates and coaches for his willingness to track back and help out in defense when needed, making him an all-rounded midfielder.
Versatility
Another aspect that makes De Jong a valuable asset to Barcelona’s playing style is his versatility. He is comfortable playing as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, or even as a center-back, which has allowed Barcelona to experiment with different formations and tactics. His ability to seamlessly adapt to different roles on the field is a testament to his intelligence and footballing IQ.
Apart from his technical abilities, De Jong also possesses leadership qualities. Despite being only 23 years old, he has shown immense maturity and composure on and off the field, taking up more responsibility in the absence of veteran players like Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique.
Conclusion
Frenkie de Jong’s journey from a young talent at Ajax to an established star at Barcelona has been nothing short of impressive. He has shown tremendous growth, both as a player and a person, and his impact on Barcelona’s playing style cannot be overlooked. His passing, ball control, defensive contributions, and versatility make him one of the most complete midfielders in the world, and at just 23 years of age, he has a bright future ahead of him.