Frenkie de Jong was described as "the best midfielder in the world" by one of his Barcelona teammates after they secured the LaLiga title for the first time in four years.
Xavi's side earned a comfortable 4-2 victory over Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Sunday, which ensured an unassailable 14-point lead for Barca over arch-enemies Real Madrid, who will have to settle for second. Robert Lewandowski struck a brace, with Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde also finding the net at RCDE Stadium.
After the game, De Jong spoke to the press about his side's title win in Xavi's first full season in charge. However, his interview was interrupted by several Barcelona players where they began to praise the Dutch midfielder. Franck Kessie and Sergi Roberto stormed in, before Ronald Araujo tapped De Jong's shoulder and spoke.
He told Barca TV: "Here is the best midfielder in the world, Frenkie De Jong!" De Jong received love from the Barcelona fanbase as they chanted during his post-match interview, with his teammates getting involved on the act as they celebrated a monumental title success.
De Jong was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer but the Netherlands international decided to stay at Barcelona. He has been a key cog in Xavi's wheel this season and has helped fire Barca to the league title at the expense of Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have been so strong in Europe this season and could reach the Champions League final with a win over Manchester City on Wednesday, but haven't replicated that form in LaLiga. Barcelona have run away with it domestically, winning 27 of their 34 league matches.
Although Barcelona crashed out of the Europa League in the play-off round, they have been able to primarily focus on LaLiga and that has helped them cruise to the title. Barca's celebrations immediately after the full-time whistle at Espanyol were cut short, however, as Espanyol fans stormed onto the pitch.
"It was a very emotional moment, a moment very hard not to celebrate, after so many months of working," Xavi told reporters. "We didn't celebrate just because we were at Espanyol's ground."
"The coach said he did not see the supporters rushing onto the pitch as he had already headed in and had told his players to follow. I told them to come in because I thought that was enough. The celebration is normal, but I know we're not at home and we can't lack respect. I know (emotions are) difficult to control but I told them the best thing would be to get inside now."
