One of the few positives from Barcelona’s draw at San Mames against Athletic Bilbao was the typically brilliant performance from Frenkie de Jong in midfield. The Dutchman proved why he will be one of the cornerstones for the Catalan giants’ squad in years to come.
Mobile, technical, tireless, and fearless, are all adjectives that can perfectly describe the former Ajax starlet. After a brilliant campaign with Barcelona in the 2020-21 season, de Jong seems to be carrying his form into the new season.
The sporting and symbolic void left at Barcelona by Lionel Messi’s departure will be impossible to truly fill, but according to SPORT, it is Frenkie de Jong who is the likely candidate to step up to the mantle.
Despite the plethora of talent in the Blaugrana squad, it does seem like de Jong, with his ability and mentality, is poised to be the one who takes over as the star of the team.
He seems to be one of the players, alongside compatriot Memphis Depay, who have taken over the responsibility of carrying this new-look Barcelona side into the future and establish the post-Messi era.
This means, of course, that de Jong may also be one of the prime candidates to take over the legendary number 10 shirt left vacant by Lionel Messi. So far, de Jong has been overlooked by the fans and media as one of the heirs to the throne. The Spanish outlet, however, have finally turned their attention to him.
But perhaps, it was the midfielder who was the answer all along. He is no longer the shy version of himself from his debut season. De Jong in now unleashed. He is vocal, he is expressive and he is explosive.
Whether or not he takes the #10, he will be one of the team’s reference points for the generation that lies ahead.
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