)
Former Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart likens Frenkie De Jong to a postman in UCL post-match criticism.
Barcelona's midfield maestro, Frenkie De Jong, found himself at the centre of criticism following his team's 1-1 draw with Napoli in the Champions League round of 16.
The Dutch international's performance did not sit well with Rafael van der Vaart, a former Netherlands star, who delivered a scathing review by likening De Jong to a "postman" for his perceived lackadaisical approach to the game.
)
20:56 - 23.02.2024
Barcelona star compares Osimhen with Lewandowski
Barcelona's Gündoğan compares Lewandowski and Osimhen after Champions League showdown.
)
16:05 - 23.02.2024
Mason Greenwood snubs Barcelona interest, seeks Manchester United redemption
Getafe winger Mason Greenwood reportedly prefers a return to Manchester United amid interest from Spanish giants.
Despite Barcelona's efforts to secure a positive result, Van der Vaart's comments highlight a sense of disappointment in De Jong's contribution to the match.
Van der Vaart's Harsh Critique
During his appearance as a pundit on Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands, Van der Vaart didn't mince words about De Jong's showing against Napoli.
"Frenkie de Jong plays football like a postman," he declared, criticising De Jong for his slow pace in advancing the ball and opting instead for safe, short deliveries.
)
According to Van der Vaart, De Jong's inability to quickly transition play and his preference for holding onto the ball rather than making decisive forward passes are major drawbacks in his game.
De Jong's Future in Limbo
Amidst this criticism, De Jong's season has been marred by injuries, with an ankle strain sidelining him for seven La Liga matches. His contributions have been modest, with only one goal to his name and no assists, underscoring a challenging campaign for the Dutch midfielder.
Furthermore, speculation about De Jong's future at Barcelona is rife, with reports linking him to Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea. The Catalan club has reportedly given him an ultimatum: sign a new contract or prepare for an exit.
Related content
20:56 - 23.02.2024
Barcelona star compares Osimhen with Lewandowski
Barcelona's Gündoğan compares Lewandowski and Osimhen after Champions League showdown.
)
09:44 - 23.02.2024
Manchester United's Net Spend Climbs Above £1bn as They Top Chelsea, Barcelona in Spending Standings
Clubs in England dominate the top 10 in the list of clubs with the highest net spend in Europe in the last decade
)
09:18 - 23.02.2024
Why Dani Alves Could Be Released from Prison in July This Year
The Ex-Barcelona star was sentenced to four and a half years in jail but could be out in only five months
)
00:53 - 23.02.2024
Ex-Arsenal and Barcelona Star Aubameyang Smashes Europa League Record
Aubameyang surpassed icons like Radamel Falcao and Romelu Lukaku to become the competition's top scorer
)
23:52 - 22.02.2024
How Ex-Barcelona Teammate Helped Dani Alves Avoid Lengthier Prison Sentence
Daniel Alves has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison but his punishment could have been worse but for the intervention of one of his former teammates
)
15:44 - 22.02.2024
Eagles striker Osimhen nominated for UCL goal of the week
Victor Osimhen netted his first goal of the season in the Champions League against Barcelona.
)
11:13 - 22.02.2024
Who denied Victor Osimhen man of the match against Barcelona?
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen was the hero as Napoli and Barcelona shared the spoils in the UCL.
)
10:55 - 22.02.2024
Osimhen is a champion — Napoli captain Di Lorenzo praises striker after performance against Barca
Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo praised Victor Osimhen as "a champion" after the forward secured a draw for the club against Barcelona on Wednesday night.
)
22:12 - 21.02.2024
I don't earn 40m! — Frenkie blasts Spanish press
De Jong warns the press against rumours about his contract and reaffirms his desire to remain at Barcelona.
)
16:35 - 21.02.2024
Xavi fears Osimhen threat ahead of Barcelona vs Napoli
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernadez sweats over the threat of Osimhen and the unpredictability of Napoli having a new manager.
)
16:27 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona match preview, team news, where to watch and prediction
A concise pre-match guide for the upcoming Champions League fixture between Napoli and Barcelona.
)
08:16 - 21.02.2024
Napoli vs Barcelona: Xavi warns players about Osimhen threat in UCL clash
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is wary of Napoli threat led by Nigeria's Victor Osimhen ahead of UCL acid test.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)