High marks for De Jong in Spain: ‘Xavi really missed Frenkie’

Frenkie de Jong’s return to FC Barcelona does not pass silently in the Spanish press. Marca, Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo have nothing but praise for the Dutch midfielder, who played 78 minutes against Atlético Madrid.

Barcelona defeated the Madrilenians 1-0 through a goal from Ferran Torres and are on the verge of becoming champions in Spain. That will happen with a basic place for De Jong, because the former player of Willem II and Ajax is indispensable. That conclusion is unanimously drawn by the Spanish press.

De Jong = 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤!
After a hamstring injury, Frenkie de Jong is back in business, and they also beat Atletico Madrid! 👑#ZiggoSport #LaLiga #BarcaAleti pic.twitter.com/nM0prCCS8X

— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) April 23, 2023

“Barça dispels the doubts with a creditable win against a great Atlético,” writes Marca, who compliments De Jong’s first match since his injury. He is rewarded with an 8. ‘With him, Barça is another team in possession; Xavi’s team will immediately play up a gear. He was one of the best players against Atlético (again) and his return is a blessing for the Catalans.

“Frenkie de Jong is back at the helm at Barça,” headlines Diario Sport. “This is just a different team when the Dutchman is on the field. The rhythm and control is back. After the result, his return is the best news of the match against Atlético. “You don’t know what you have until you lose it,” goes the saying. Xavi really missed De Jong, Xavi really needs De Jong. It’s good he’s back.”

Sport also calls De Jong ‘one of the few football players who never plays badly’. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is Barcelona again now that the Orange-international is back.

Sant Frenkie i Sant Pedri pic.twitter.com/pnThzRqr6u

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) April 23, 2023