Despite the persistent rumours linking Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United, [BBC] reports that the Dutch midfielder has not been a major success at the club.
Getty Images courtesy of Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto.
Yes, he won the Copa del Rey in 2021, but that was his only silverware during his three years at the La Liga giants.
It is not at all De Jong's fault. Paul Pogba cannot be blamed for Manchester United's failures and chopping and changing of managers over the last six years.
But, just as Pogba was plainly not a part of Manchester United's solution, De Jong may have to accept that he is not a part of Barcelona's path to success
kkWesley Sneijder of the Netherlands Photo credit should read AFP/PEDRO UGARTE/Getty Images
Prediction for De Jong by Wesley Sneijder
De Jong was expected to be a tremendous success when he signed for Barcelona in 2019. Former Netherlands international Wesley Sneijder is widely expected to succeed Lionel Messi as team captain.
Sneijder, a former Manchester United transfer target a decade ago, spoke to The Mail three years ago.
"De Jong made the best option because he knew that his game is ideal for Spain and Barcelona," he remarked.
"De Ligt made a different decision, but Frenkie made the best decision for his life." De Ligt is a different option, but De Jong, in my opinion, is more forward-thinking.
"He did extremely well in choosing Barcelona: it is a club that fits him, and when Messi retires from football, Frenkie will become an even stronger leader."
Wesley Sneijder's prediction did not pan out. Instead of being Barcelona's leader, or even Barcelona's midfield leader, De Jong is being squeezed out.
He has been unable to unseat Sergio Busquets as the deepest lying midfielder, requiring him to change his playing style, while the emergence of both Gavi and Pedri has increased competition. Barcelona has also agreed to sign midfielder Franck Kessie, indicating their commitment to the club.
Barcelona has also agreed to sign midfielder Franck Kessie, indicating that they are dissatisfied with their present options.
Real Betis vs. FC Barcelona - Santander La Liga
Fran Santiago/Getty Images contributed to this image.
De Jong must make a decision. Is he going to stay in Barcelona and try to persevere, to do what he hasn't been able to do so far?
Or does he join a totally new squad, with a manager who understands him and is eager to construct the midfield around him?
The Dutchman's competitive nature may drive him to stay in Spain, but the wiser decision may be to walk away and recognize that it isn't working - similar to the decision Paul Pogba and Manchester United made.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0