Ten Hag tells Barca how to get the best out of De Jong

Photo by Fran Santiago/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The Ajax boss has offered some advice

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has been talking about his former midfielder Frenkie de Jong and explained how Barcelona can get the best out of the talented 22-year-old.

The Dutchman made the move to the Camp Nou in the summer and has been a regular fixture in the first XI under Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien.

Yet there’s a sense Barcelona still haven’t seen the real De Jong on a regular basis, and Ten Hag has been talking about his best position.

“I once asked Frenkie the question: are you number ten? He is not an offensive player. He is a player who takes care of the attacking return, the supply. He puts the goal scorers and the givers of the assists in position. He is the reason that we have adjusted our system.”

“We played at Ajax with one six and we made two sixes out of it. Frenkie cannot be placed in a box. He is a modern midfielder. He can defend and attack fantastic. But you have to create a role for him where he can do both.”

Source | Ziggo Sport

De Jong has played further up the pitch under Setien and has looked uncomfortable at times, but he scored a brilliant goal against Real Betis at the weekend in a 3-2 win what was one of his best games for Barca so far.

Source: barcablaugranes.com