Frenkie de Jong shared the malaise on Friday during FC Barcelona’s 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the quarter finals of the Champions League. That is the opinion of the Spanish media, which, however, draws even harder conclusions about Sergio Busquets.
‘De Jong did not understand Busquets well prior to the attack from which Bayern made the 1-0’, according to the brief assessment of Brand about the former Ajax player. ‘The Dutchman was defected in midfield, just like the rest of the team. He tried to break through the lines, but no teammate chose the depth in those cases.
Sports Diary gives De Jong a 3 for his performance in Lisbon. His desire and the illusion of playing for Barcelona are not enough. He barely managed to receive the ball and got lost without contributing anything. ‘
The other Catalan sports newspaper, Sports world, points out that De Jong was recruited to ‘breathe new life into the project’. ‘But he is also not getting out of this difficult season, concluded with a tragic end. His contemplative attitude at Kimmich’s goal summed up his pale performance well. ‘
MD is more concerned about Sergio Busquets. ‘The Germans were like planes racing past Busquets. A sad evening, the epilogue to a great career. ‘ Also AS suspects that De Jong may be able to take over the role of the Spanish controller at Barça more quickly than expected. Overflowing, overwhelmed and suffocated. Time takes its toll on everyone, but it is very cruel for Busquets. He couldn’t keep the midfield together and his game deteriorates sharply when the spaces are large. ‘
Also about De Jong velt AS a harsh judgment. His first season was very mediocre. With Valverde he looked for the pleasure of playing for Barça, but Setién suddenly wiped his smile. He lets him play for free. His performance against Bayern is one to forget quickly. He couldn’t control the game, couldn’t break through the lines and move the game. ‘
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