Frenkie de Jong
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Frenkie de Jong
Current Club: Ajax (joining Barcelona 1st July).
Previous Clubs: Willem II.
Loan Clubs: Willem II.
International: Netherlands 7 caps.
Trophies Won: Eredivisie 2018/19, Netherlands Cup 2018/19.
De Jong has graduated into midfield from a central defensive role, but I believe, for a team like Barcelona, he would be better off returning to the centre of defence. In midfield his passing and vision is not quite good enough for a top league, though it would be very much top end for a defender.
He is very calm and composed on the ball but mainly keeps things simple, with short passes designed to keep possession rather than make inroads into an opposing defensive line. De Jong lacks the incisiveness of many others being a player who keeps it safe, rather than taking chances. In that respect he is better suited to a defensive role, either holding in midfield or in central defence, as De Jong lacks creativity.
In midfield de Jong tends to drift to the left and play from that side, even when playing as the lone player in the holding role, but he often plays as part of a midfield pair and then he is on the left side, so that is likely to explain his tendency to drift left. It has probably become slightly engrained in his mind and become natural to move that way in search of space, looking to cut back onto his right to move the ball on.
The main thing, in my opinion, that he brings to a team is his ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet. While de Jong's passing lacks incisiveness and is short and simple, all about keeping possession, he breaks it up with his liking for running with the ball and moving it into more dangerous areas in that way.
That can be far more important for the team than an ability to pick a pass, as not enough players in deep midfield areas will do that and it can often confuse opponents who do not know whether to close him down or drop off. Added to his ability to shoot, he has a good shot on him and usually hits the target, it can create chances for himself or others.
Requested by - Ed004