With the final international break of 2025 now underway, several FC Barcelona players are away with their respective national teams for the next two weeks.
Interestingly, two key players of the Blaugrana squad will face off in the current international window as Frenkie de Jong’s Netherlands lock horns with Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
The two teams square off on 14 November in Warsaw in a World Cup qualifying fixture, where a victory for De Jong’s Oranje would secure their place in the mega tournament next year.
However, leading up to the game, the Dutch midfielder warned his teammates about the threat posed by Lewandowski and the quality he brings to the table.
After all, the 37-year-old Poland striker and captain goes into the game on the back of a brilliant hat-trick for Barcelona against Celta Vigo on the weekend.
“He’s in good form,” De Jong said while speaking to ESPN.nl.
“We just have to make sure we qualify. He’s been injured for a while, but I think he really wanted to be there. With Lewandowski, they are better than without him, which makes sense. He will always score goals as a top striker,” he added.
During the chat, De Jong was also asked about Netherlands’ manager Ronald Koeman’s comments comparing Dutch youngster Kees Smit to Barcelona superstar Pedri.
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona player
De Jong will face Lewandowski this week. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
“I don’t think anyone really has a Pedri type except Spain. What is a Pedri type? There aren’t many who play football like him. I don’t think we have anyone like that,” noted De Jong, praising Pedri.
The Dutch midfielder acknowledged Smit’s potential, but insisted that comparisons like this would put undue pressure on the youngster.
“I think he has a lot of talent, but it’s not wise to say too much about it at this stage. It doesn’t help him to create so many expectations. He is a very talented player and could become very good. But we have to let him play football in peace and then we’ll see.”
De Jong, after much speculation and rumours, signed a new contract with Barcelona recently, renewing for three more years until 2029.
On being asked if he intends to remain with the Blaugrana for a long time, the midfielder replied:
“I don’t know, but yes, it’s possible that could happen. I’m very comfortable in Barcelona, I think we have a good team, and things look good for the future. I feel at ease, and I feel appreciated.
“We’re happy as a family in Barcelona, and the club is happy with me. I hope to stay for a long time, but that’s something that requires waiting and seeing what happens.”