Frenkie de Jong reminded everyone of his sublime talents on Friday evening for Netherlands but it only served as a reminder to Barcelona fans as to what they're missing from him right now.
The Dutchman announced himself on the world last season for Ajax and earned himself a huge move to Barca in the summer but so far this season the Catalan giants haven't seen the best of him.
On Friday he played a key role in the Euro 2020 qualifier win for Netherlands against Germany, beating their rivals 4-2 away from home. De Jong scored to make it 1-1 around the hour mark and his stats back up just how good his performance was.
:bar_chart: ' Frenkie de Jong vs. Germany
- Frenkie Chief :flag_nl: (@FrenkieStats) September 6, 2019
Minutes: 95'
Goals: 1
Touches: 81
Accurate passes: 66/71 (93%)
Dribbles: 2/3
Long balls: 7/8
Ground duels: 3/7
Interceptions: 2
That incredible performance was for every hater who doubted this man. Never doubt FDJ! pic.twitter.com/caLqTnv40y
But fans of De Jong's club couldn't really celebrate the performance, in fact many of them were using it to point out how manager Ernesto Valverde isn't getting the best out of the 22-year-old midfielder.
Frenkie de Jong putting up masterclass against the big boys when he ain't been restrained by Ernesto F*cking Valverde,
- Hk :flag_ar::flag_ar::flag_ar: (@FondofFootball) September 7, 2019
Imagine my shock!!!!!
pic.twitter.com/XT5CkPaVFE
Frenkie masterclass, different story when he's not ordered to play in three different positions in three different matches like Valverde has done. https://t.co/RSp4tqDESn
- Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) September 6, 2019
De Jong absolutely balling when NOT coached by Ernesto Clownverde. But if I speak...
- José (@josepintoj) September 6, 2019
The Frankie de Jong of Ajax and Netherland is different from the Frankie of Barcelona. I am totally seeing a different player now ♂️ Valverde why :broken_heart:#VALVERDEOUT pic.twitter.com/ptyuLN9j95
- Barca Addict:heart::blue_heart: (@toller_1) September 6, 2019
Frenkie De jong goal is a beauty...its a pity that such a genius has to play under the White Buhari (Valverde) #GERNED pic.twitter.com/c6UvFDYJTh
- Tolulope Ayeni (@iamtoluayeni) September 6, 2019
After seeing De Jong play for Ajax and Netherlands I can absolutely say that Valverde is trash ♂️ pic.twitter.com/ha1xs5tEDW
- Uncle Drew ⛹♂️ (@W1Z_DOM) September 6, 2019
Valverde looking at Frenkie De Jong after today's performance like :joy: pic.twitter.com/08pwolsXCu
- frenkie De Jong (@KelvinObed2) September 6, 2019
I have the impression that Ernesto Valverde doesn't really know how to use Frenkie's attributes properly.
- FootballTalentScout (@FTalentScout) September 6, 2019
Good thing is that we get to see the Real Frenkie during the international break!
This gem is such a joy to watch!
Valverde has continued to win domestic competitions for Barca but has still come under criticism from fans for not getting the best out of the team, with Lionel Messi acknowledged as rescuing him.
The La Liga champions haven't had a good start to their season and with Messi injured they've lost to Athletic Bilbao and drawn with Osasuna, only beating Real Betis.
Watching De Jong once again stand out, as he did in Ajax's run to the Champions League semi final last season, will not help the Barca boss should the midfielder once again fail to live up to expectation when he's back from national duty.
Can Valverde turn things around and win the Champions League next season?
Topics: Football News, Euro 2020, Barcelona, Ajax, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Twitter, Holland, Frenkie De Jong, La Liga
- Barcelona Have Officially Changed Frenkie De Jong's Position And Xavi 'Likes Him' There
- Frenkie De Jong Produced A Midfield-Splitting Burst For Netherlands' Winner, Left Everyone Behind Him
- Frenkie de Jong slams ‘lies’ about his Barcelona wages, claims his salary is not as ‘big’ as people think
- How Ajax Bought Frenkie De Jong For Just €1 In 'Bargain Of The Decade' With Manchester United Move 'Close'