A year ago
Frenkie de Jong has received love from members of the Barcelona team after Xavi's men won the LaLiga title with four games after beating Espanyol on Sunday.
Frenkie de Jong has been described by one of his Barcelona teammates as "the best midfielder in the world" after winning his first LaLiga title in four years.
Xavi's side enjoyed a comfortable 4-2 win over Espanyol in Sunday's Catalan derby, securing an unbreakable 14-point lead for Barca against arch-enemies Real Madrid, who will should be in second place. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace, with Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde also scoring at the RCDE Stadium.
After the game, De Jong spoke to the press about his team's victory in Xavi's first full season. However, his interview was interrupted by several Barcelona players when they started praising the Dutch midfielder. Franck Kessie and Sergi Roberto burst in, before Ronald Araujo tapped De Jong on the shoulder and spoke.
He told Barca TV:
"This is the best midfielder in the world, Frenkie De Jong!" De Jong received a splash from the Barcelona fan base as they chanted during his post-match interview, with his teammates also joining in on the action as they celebrated the success. majestic title.
De Jong was closely linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, but the Netherlands international has decided to stay at Barcelona. He has been a key cog in Xavi's wheel this season and helped Barca win the league title against Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have been strong in Europe this season and could reach the Champions League final with a win over Manchester City on Wednesday, but have failed to repeat that form in La Liga. Barcelona dominated domestically, winning 27 of their 34 matches.
Barca players celebrate the championship
Although Barcelona withdrew from the Europa League in the play-offs, they were able to focus mainly on La Liga and that helped them win the title. However, Barca's celebration right after the final whistle of the match against Espanyol was interrupted when Espanyol fans flooded the field.
"It was a very emotional moment, a moment that is difficult not to celebrate after months of work," Xavi told reporters. "We don't celebrate just because we're on the pitch of Espanyol."
“The coach said he didn't see the fans rushing into the pitch because he came on and told his players to follow him. I told them to come because I thought that was enough. It's okay to party, but I know we're not at home and we can't be disrespectful. I know (emotions) are hard to control, but I told them it's best to get in now."
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