Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has lauded Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong forward of the 2 sides’ conflict within the Europa League playoffs. The Crimson Devils head to the Camp Nou to face the Blaugrana within the first leg on Thursday (February 16).

A few of European soccer’s high star names can be on show, together with Barca’s De Jong. The Dutchman was beforehand managed by Ten Hag at Ajax. He was simply initially of his profession and rising as considered one of Europe’s high midfield abilities. The midfielder made 59 appearances beneath Ten Hag, scoring three targets and contributing 4 assists.

The Manchester United supervisor has praised the qualities De Jong possesses. He mentioned in his pre-match press convention (by way of Manchester Night Information):

“Frenkie is an unbelievable, good participant and he would strengthen any squad on the planet. He is obtained distinctive high quality.”

Are you able to play Frenkie de Jong as a lone #6?

Erik Ten Hag in 2019: “He leaves the center of the pitch too usually for that. And should you don’t give him the liberty to go ahead, you received’t get the very best out of his recreation.”

Are you able to play Frenkie de Jong as a lone #6?Erik Ten Hag in 2019: “He leaves the center of the pitch too usually for that. And should you don’t give him the liberty to go ahead, you received’t get the very best out of his recreation.” https://t.co/MJGrfcQBdv

Ten Hag made De Jong his high switch goal throughout final summer time’s switch window. The Crimson Devils even reportedly agreed an €85 million deal for the Dutch midfielder. Nonetheless, he was eager to stay at Barcelona. He has featured 26 occasions throughout competitions, scoring two targets and contributing an help since rejecting the prospect to affix his former coach at Previous Trafford.

The duo could have fond recollections of working with each other at Ajax. De Jong received the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup in 2019 beneath Ten Hag. He was additionally a part of the Amsterdam facet that impressed en path to the UEFA Champions League semifinals that yr.

Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen reveals position he performed in stopping De Jong becoming a member of Manchester United

Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen has revealed that he suggested De Jong to remain on the Camp Nou when Manchester United have been excited about signing him. The German shot-stopper mentioned that he hoped that De Jong would stay with the Blaugrana:

“I hoped he would keep as a result of that is the kind of participant I wish to have in my workforce. There have been many rumours, discussions and no matter however I’m simply comfortable that he’s right here, and I don’t need him to go away.”

Ter Stegen then touched on how he needs De Jong to stick with Barcelona in the long run:

“I wish to make very clear, once I talked to him I attempted to (make him keep). In the future, I’ll simply put him in one thing right here (he pretends to tie a rope round a chair leg) to maintain him right here at all times. I hope he can be right here for a very long time.”

Frenkie de Jong: “Barcelona, proper now, just isn’t the very best membership on the planet. However it’s nonetheless probably the most stunning membership on the planet.” [nos]

Frenkie de Jong: “Barcelona, proper now, just isn’t the very best membership on the planet. However it’s nonetheless probably the most stunning membership on the planet.” [nos] https://t.co/QZhr4dPE5V

De Jong has three years left on his contract with the Blaugrana. It stays to be seen if Manchester United come again for the participant sooner or later.