Frenkie de Jong says Netherlands’ style suits him better than Barcelona’s

Speaking after the Netherlands’ emphatic 4-1 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Friday night, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has claimed that the style of play of the national team suits him better than the Catalans’ way.

The 25-year-old had a mixed season for Barcelona during which he often found it tough to get going in Xavi Hernandez’s team. But he has no such problems at the international level when representing the Oranje.

De Jong’s quality and his full range of abilities were on display on Friday as he ran the game from the midfield at the King Baudouin Stadium, creating several chances for his teammates and grabbing an assist as well, while also making an impact defensively.

Talking about his performances and the differences in his role at the club level and the international level, the midfielder said (h/t SPORT):

“Here in the national team, I have a position that suits me better. I like to be the first player to receive the ball from defenders. I play in a different way in the national team compared to Barça.”

De Jong finds himself at the centre of intense transfer speculation. Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the Netherlands international and Barcelona are believed to be open to the possibility of a sale due to their current financial situation.

Selling him might not prove to be the smartest decision by the Blaugrana, especially if he keeps on performing at the level he showed for the Netherlands on Friday night.