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Ronald Koeman believes that Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is a ‘more complete player’ now than when he signed from Ajax for £ 65 million in 2019.
The Dutch midfielder has been instrumental in Barcelona’s last two victories, scoring two goals and providing an assist against Elche in LaLiga and against Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey.
His goal against Rayo on Wednesday night proved to be the winner in the cup tie and De Jong is finally starting to show why Barca paid such a high fee for him after a great season with Ajax in 2018-19 .
Speaking after the game, Koeman praised his compatriot’s offensive qualities and the decisive impact he is starting to have on matches.
We need it. We need the midfielders to be offensive, ‘he said.
“He has a lot of technical quality and helps from deep inside.
“We have talked to him about helping in attack and scoring more than one goal per season.
“He is a more complete player now than when he played for Ajax. Create and write more. ‘
De Jong, 23, has scored five goals and provided four assists in 27 games in all competitions so far this season.
He also participated in the first goal at Rayo, as Lionel Messi returned from suspension to guide Barça to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Second-division Rayo took a surprise lead in the 63rd minute when Barça goalkeeper Neto was unable to tackle a low cross and midfielder Fran García swooped in to pass the ball over the line.
Rayo went out looking for a second goal and was badly caught at half-time when De Jong removed Antoine Griezmann and the Frenchman left the ball for Messi to fit into the net from close range in the 70th minute.
The Argentine, who became Barça’s record in the competition with 76 Cup games, was the architect of the second goal 10 minutes later.
He released Jordi Alba down the left wing with a sumptuous pass and De Jong finished off the center of the defender to put the Catalans in the round of 16.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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