Messi: De Jong ‘is a very complete footballer’

Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images

The captain has praised his new team-mate

Lionel Messi has given an interview to Marca after picking up his sixth European Golden Shoe on Wednesday and been talking about new Barcelona team-mate Frenkie de Jong.

The Barcelona captain seems impressed by the way the Dutchman has adapted to life with the Spanish champions and has highlighted his best qualities.

“It has been easy for him to adapt to the team because he came from a similar philosophy at Ajax.

“He grew up with the same idea and the same way of playing, although there he did not have much to play as an anterior. As a pivot he feels more comfortable, but he has adapted well.

“He likes to have the ball, play short passes, play passes between the lines, and he has a very fast and strong stride. He is a very complete footballer.”

Source | Marca

De Jong played 90 minutes in both of the Netherlands’ Euro 2020 qualifiers over the international break against Belarus and Northern Ireland.

He has started all but one of Barca’s La Liga game so far this season ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash with Eibar at Ipurua.

Source: barcablaugranes.com