‘I wonder what Frenkie de Jong can’t do’

Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 08:30• Chris Meijer

After the game between Athletic Club and Barcelona (1-1), Ibrahim Afellay was very pleased with the performance of Frenkie de Jong. The former midfielder called De Jong in the studio of Ziggo Sports ‘by far the best player’ on the side of the Catalans. Goal scorer Memphis Depay can also count on Afellay’s praise.

“We were on the edge of the seat and got off really well when Memphis shoved that ball in,” Afellay began. Barcelona fell behind early in the second half, after a goal from Iñigo Martínez. “They were under pressure non-stop in the second half and got away very well a number of times. The last thing you hope for is to fall behind from a corner. Eric Garcia was Martinez. lost for a while. Barcelona cannot complain with this result.”

Jan van Halst, also present in the studio of Ziggo Sports, pointed out that Barcelona lacked ‘deep in the game’. “Then you also create space to play football, because then they don’t put that much pressure anymore. If you don’t get the ball, make a run for your teammate. Because he gets space that you create. That has been a bit of a problem in this match,” Afellay agrees. He enjoyed a ball from De Jong that landed on the crossbar.

“That’s really… You’re licking your fingers at this, aren’t you? He was by far the best man at Barcelona. I wonder what this boy can’t do, he would also be a fantastic goalkeeper. It’s unbelievable what he puts on the mat over and over again,” says Afellay. Where De Jong’s attempt did not result in a goal, Depay did score the equalizer moments later. “The way he shoots the ball in… I think that keeper should go to the ear doctor, because he shot that ball so terribly hard.”

“The assumption is actually half the goal,” Afellay continues. “He is a fantastic player and was once again the most dangerous attacker. He is so busy showing himself. That makes sense. Messi is gone and he is a big purchase. I like that he takes responsibility. But I rather expect that from Griezmann, who has been with Barcelona for some time and has a hefty price tag around his neck. It doesn’t show it at all. Those dutiful broadside balls. You definitely don’t see Griezmann making the actions that Memphis makes.”

Despite the draw in Bilbao, Afellay believes that Ronald Koeman is doing a ‘very good job’ in the service of Barcelona. “We must not forget that he brought Barcelona back from a hopeless situation last season. He didn’t get anything, except for Sergiño Dest. This summer will be no different. A club like Barcelona always has to compete for the championship, but he is working on something. He should definitely be given the time.”

Memphis Depay
Depay himself was not satisfied with the result afterwards. “I am happy with the goal, but disappointed by the result,” he wrote ASH up from the mouth of Depay. “I want more, I am not satisfied with a draw. I still had a chance to score and I missed that opportunity. A point is better than nothing, but we can do better. We fought until the last moment and have to learn our lessons from this match, for example to play out under the pressure. We also need to play together more for that.”