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Frenkie De Jong’s Stats Show Why Barcelona Have 'One Of The Best Midfielders In The World'

Frenkie De Jong’s Stats Show Why Barcelona Have 'One Of The Best Midfielders In The World'

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde can inject a young Frenkie de Jong into a midfield featuring an aging Ivan Rakitić and Sergio Busquets.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Barcelona new boy Frenkie de Jong put Europe on notice after his scintillating season with Ajax.

De Jong, 22, captured the championship title and Dutch Cup with his former employers, along with reaching the semi-finals in the Champions League.

And the Dutch star is officially a Barcelona player now following his €75m (plus €11m in add-ons) move to the Camp Nou.

The ex-Ajax star's stats show why he is the complete package for the Spanish champions and how Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde can inject some young blood into a midfield featuring the aging Ivan Rakitić and Sergio Busquets.

Driblab has collected his stats both in the domestic league and in the Champions League last season, with De Jong averaging 90.7 per cent passing.

While his stats weren't the most incredible going forward, De Jong's strength is in the heart of midfield by locking it down and providing additional cover in front of the defensive line.

And that's exactly where the Netherlands international thrived as he averaged 2.48 interceptions, 3.04 tackles and committed only 0.54 fouls.

De Jong was unveiled at the Camp Nou last week and spoke about how his current club and his former side share a similar philosophy.

"I like Barça's way of playing, the philosophy of Barça and Ajax are very similar, and I think I will enjoy it," he said.

"I'm happy to be able to play with [Lionel] Messi, who I have always followed. Now my idol will be my teammate.

"Barça and Holland have always had a great, special connection, and I hope to follow in that tradition.

"I want to be one of the great Dutch players who have played at FC Barcelona."

De Jong is ready for a fresh challenge in La Liga after he admitted that it was "always a dream for me to play for Barça."

Barcelona
Barcelona

He added: "When they came and spoke to me, the decision was easy. There were several clubs interested, but when I spoke to them, it was easy to decide."

The Barcelona player's former teammate Matthijs de Ligt was linked with Barcelona in recent months, but he is reportedly inching closer to a stunning move to Juventus.

While Barcelona have little intention of making a last-ditch effort to sign him, De Jong said that he would more than welcome a reunion with the 19-year-old Ajax captain.

"I expected you to ask me about De Ligt," he told reporters.

"I would be very happy to see him here, but it's not my choice. He has to decide, with his family, what is best for him."

Will De Jong be a success at Barcelona?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: Barcelona/Driblab

Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Eredivisie, Ajax, Ernesto Valverde, Frenkie De Jong, La Liga, Barca, Camp Nou