Dutch legend believes Frenkie de Jong has become a better player at Barcelona

The leadership of Barcelona has been a net positive for many Barcelona players over the past year and a half. Ousmane Dembele certainly tops the list, but there are also others, including Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch midfielder, who was close to joining Manchester United last summer, has redefined himself at Barça this season, becoming one of the club’s first-team regulars under Xavi.

De Jong’s excellent season has led to Barcelona shifting their stance on the player, who will not be available for sale ahead of the new season. The midfielder’s improving performances have not gone unnoticed by Dutch legend Ruud Gullit either.

In a recent media interaction, the former Chelsea forward has hailed de Jong for his improving performances and the way the midfielder has learned from his mistakes.

“Before, De Jong wanted to dribble and dribble all the time, that’s annoying but now he’s learned and he’s adapted to Barcelona’s style where he plays faster,” Gullit said (h/t Ziggo Sport Voetbal).

De Jong has been featured in 38 competitive matches this season, which totals up to 2,833 minutes of action – sixth highest in the Barça squad.

Continuing his praise on the midfielder, Gullit added, “Busquets is great at this because he knows where he’s going to play the ball even before it reaches him and I think De Jong learned that from him. Now Frenkie has become a better player and is more suitable for Barça.”

Gullit’s comments on de Jong came just a few days after Busquets’ decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season. The veteran midfielder is set to embark on a new adventure elsewhere after spending over a decade in Catalonia.

Busquets’ exit would make de Jong a bigger presence in the Barcelona midfield, despite the fact that the club are trying to bring in new faces including Manchester City’s experienced German star Ilkay Gundogan.