Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was a key figure for Netherlands as Louis Van Gaal’s side defeated Senegal by a 2-0 scoreline.
The Manchester United target was ever-present for his team as he controlled possession in the midfield as well as put on the extra work in defense.
He didn’t shy away from contributing in attack as he provided an inch perfect cross for Cody Gakpo to head in and score a late opening goal for the Dutch side.
Happy to start with a win 💪🏻🦁 pic.twitter.com/Dp5UMk2wFn
— Frenkie de Jong (@DeJongFrenkie21) November 21, 2022
The goal changed the momentum of the game as the Orange outfit started searching for a second goal. Memphis Depay’s shot was pushed away by Édouard Mendy straight to the path of Davy Klaasen, who scored the second in the last minute of the game. Although, both the sides were poor in the final third, De Jong’ justified his role as the chief anchor of Van Gaal’s team. The midfielder could have scored a goal but missed an easy one on one chance.
Even after putting up a strong display, De Jong was critical of his performance. As reported by the Mirror, he said:
“We were average. We didn’t play good. But we also didn’t give any chances away. I think my own game was sloppy.”
United admired the 25-year-old for long due to his ability to command the midfield region. The Red Devils targeted the former Ajax star as they wanted to sign a world-class defensive midfielder.
However, Erik ten Hag’s side decided to pursue a deal for Casemiro in the last few days of the transfer window. The reason behind this was De Jong’s strong stance of staying at Camp Nou.
The Dutch midfielder never wanted to leave Barcelona and he made his feelings clear in a recent interview. He also shred a light on the Blaugrana board’s attempts to force him for a transfer last summer.
It is highly unlikely that United will go after the Dutch maestro but performances like these will make them feel sorry for their inability to land the 25-year-old.
