Frenkie de Jong received high praise in the Spanish press after his strong performance from the bench in FC Barcelona’s 5-1 away win against RCD Mallorca. The Dutchman was accurate, scoring and providing an assist after twenty minutes of being on the field.
Mundo Deportivo described De Jong as ‘resurrected’ after his substitution in Mallorca. “He sealed the match by scoring and providing an assist for Pau Víctor. Frenkie also played in a position that probably suits him better, in his current form”.
The Catalan sports newspaper refered to the fact that De Jong came on as an attacking midfielder. “In that position, he had more freedom and stayed away from areas that required more power and intensity.”
Sport rates De Jong’s substitution with an 8 in their player ratings. In a separate article, the outlet went into more detail about ‘the redemption of Frenkie de Jong’.
“Although he did not come on in his usual position, De Jong felt at ease and gave the team dynamism. A goal and assist ensured redemption.”
After the match against Mallorca, De Jong could also count on nice words from teammate Raphinha:
“Frenkie deserves this enormously, he works hard and helps us both on and off the field. He is one of our captains and we have enormous affection for him. In the dressing room we are very happy about his play.”
The Oranje international himself remained level-headed, after his first goal and assist of the season. “I have to be patient with everything that is there now, I know that is the case. I will continue with what I am doing now: working hard. At some point we will see where that ends.”
GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield