Frenkie de Jong

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22 Mar 2024

Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong is widely recognized as one of the premier midfielders in modern football, known for his exceptional skill set and versatility on the field.
His career began at Willem II before he moved to Ajax, where he quickly established himself as one of Europe's top young talents. During his time at Ajax, he played a pivotal role in the team's success, winning domestic titles and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. De Jong's performances earned him numerous accolades, including being named Eredivisie Player of the Season.

In January 2019, Barcelona secured his signature for a significant fee of €75 million, highlighting his immense potential and talent. He joined the club in July of the same year and seamlessly integrated into their midfield, showcasing his exceptional vision, passing range, dribbling ability, and defensive prowess.
De Jong's impact at Barcelona was further highlighted by his inclusion in the prestigious FIFA FIFPro World11 in 2019, a testament to his status as one of the world's elite midfielders. His ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate play from midfield has made him a vital component of both Barcelona and the Netherlands national team.

On the international stage, De Jong has represented the Netherlands with distinction, playing key roles in tournaments such as the UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2020, and the FIFA World Cup. His performances for both club and country have solidified his reputation as one of the most complete midfielders in contemporary football.
Frenkie de Jong's early years at Ajax were marked by his gradual integration into the first team and his versatility in various midfield and defensive roles. Despite being in and out of the squad initially, he showcased his potential and earned recognition for his performances with Ajax II.

In the 2015-16 Eerste Divisie season, De Jong made significant contributions, featuring in the center of midfield and displaying his scoring ability with two goals. His standout performances earned him the Talent of the Season award for the 2016-17 Eerste Divisie campaign, where he continued to impress with Ajax II.
De Jong's senior debut for Ajax came in the 2016-17 season, and he quickly made an impact, scoring a goal against Go Ahead Eagles. He also made notable appearances in the Europa League, including coming off the bench in the final against Manchester United.

In the following season, De Jong's versatility was evident as he played in various positions, including center-back and midfield. Despite facing injuries towards the end of the season, he showcased his playmaking abilities, recording multiple assists and receiving praise for his performances.
The 2018-19 season proved to be a breakthrough year for De Jong, as he solidified his place in the midfield and played a crucial role in Ajax's success. He led the team to their first domestic double in over a decade and played a key role in their remarkable UEFA Champions League campaign, which included victories over top European clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid.

De Jong's performances earned him recognition as one of the best midfielders in Europe, culminating in his selection to the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season and being named the tournament's midfielder of the season. His success with Ajax ultimately led to his high-profile transfer to Barcelona, where he continued to excel at the highest level of the sport.

Frenkie de Jong's journey with Barcelona began with much anticipation and excitement after his high-profile transfer from Ajax. Despite a challenging start with a defeat to Athletic Bilbao in his competitive debut, de Jong quickly established himself as a key figure in the team.
One of the highlights of his tenure with Barcelona came in the 2021 Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, where he played a pivotal role in the team's 4-0 victory. De Jong not only scored a goal but also provided two assists, showcasing his versatility and playmaking abilities on the big stage.
His contributions on the field, coupled with his leadership qualities, saw him being named as the fourth captain of Barcelona following the departure of Sergio Busquets. This appointment further solidified his status as a crucial figure within the club, both on and off the pitch.
As de Jong continues to evolve and make significant contributions to Barcelona's success, he remains a key player in the club's quest for trophies and glory, embodying the spirit of leadership and excellence at Camp Nou.

Frenkie de Jong's versatility and multifaceted skill set make him a standout player on the field. His self-described preference for possession-oriented football aligns perfectly with Barcelona's style of play, making him a natural fit for the club.
As a player, de Jong has showcased his adaptability by excelling in various positions, including regista, defensive midfielder, central midfielder, holding midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, and even centre-back. His partnership with Matthijs de Ligt at centre-back for Ajax highlighted his defensive prowess, where he displayed exceptional positional sense, a knack for winning possession, and a disciplined approach to avoiding fouls.

However, de Jong's contributions extend far beyond his defensive capabilities. He possesses remarkable vision, dribbling skills, and control over possession, allowing him to navigate through tight spaces and orchestrate attacking plays. His ability to read the game and make offensive runs through the middle adds another dimension to his playing style.
Furthermore, de Jong's passing range is exemplary, with an aptitude for delivering long cross-field passes to create space and alleviate attacking pressure. His close control, accuracy, and work rate draw comparisons to legendary Barcelona figures such as Andrés Iniesta and Johan Cruyff, underscoring his seamless integration into the club's philosophy.

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi's endorsement of de Jong as a player capable of dominating the game speaks volumes about his impact on the pitch. With his blend of defensive stability, playmaking ability, and commitment to the team's success, de Jong exemplifies the essence of "Barça DNA" and continues to be a vital asset for Barcelona.
Frenkie de Jong's journey in football began in his hometown of Arkel, located in the province of South Holland, Netherlands. From a young age, he displayed a passion for the sport and started playing football in his local community. As he progressed in his career and transitioned to playing professionally, de Jong made a heartfelt tribute to his grandfather by choosing the number 21 for his shirt, a nod to his grandfather's birthday on 21 April.

Outside of football, de Jong found love and companionship with his fiancée Mikky Kiemeney, whom he met during high school. Their relationship blossomed, and they have been together since 2014. In July 2022, de Jong and Kiemeney took the next step in their relationship by getting engaged, marking a significant milestone in their journey together.
Adding to their joy, the couple welcomed their first child, Miles de Jong, into the world on 21 November 2023. This momentous occasion undoubtedly brought further happiness and fulfillment to de Jong and Kiemeney as they embarked on the journey of parenthood together.