Frenkie de Jong put in an impressive performance for Barcelona as they beat Mexican side Pumas UNAM in the Joan Gamper Trophy last weekend.
De Jong started on the bench, with Barca boss Xavi instead selecting a midfield of Gavi, Pedri and Sergio Busquets to start the game. However, De Jong was introduced at the break and delivered a starring performance as the Catalan giants eased to a 6-0 hammering of their Liga MX opponents.
It comes amid a protracted saga over the player's future with both Manchester United and Chelsea pursuing a transfer. United boss Erik ten Hag recently instructed United to remain patient on a deal after holding fresh talks with the player but the Blues are thought to be becoming increasingly confident of securing his signature.
While United have an initial fee in place with the Catalan club over a transfer, which would reunite De Jong with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag, no final agreement is yet in place for a move. With negotiations over that transfer now spanning three months, Chelsea have registered an interest in gazumping any move. Blues chiefs have made contact with Barca and held discussions with De Jong's representatives and are now strong contenders to sign him from under United's noses.
De Jong's performance against Pumas was a reminder to Barcelona fans, coaching staff and management of his outstanding skillset. There was one particular move in the game – prior to De Jong finding the net with a goal of his own – that drew widespread praise for his ability.
After receiving the ball in his own half from Jordi Alba, the Dutchman turned and showed tremendous acceleration to breeze past two Pumas opponents and advance into the opponent's half. The 25-year-old continued with his run, combining speed, agility and grace, before playing a defence-splitting pass with the outside of his boot to find Ansu Fati – whose squared ball into the box went narrowly wide.
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Video footage has since emerged of a training exercise carried out by Barca players ahead of the game where De Jong lines up alongside the notoriously pacey Dembele for a direct sprint across one-half of the Camp Nou pitch.
Surprisingly, not only does the Dutchman – known more for his technical ability and clever movement than his acceleration – keep pace with Dembele, but he manages to pull away from him in the final metres.
It is not hard to see from these highlights just why De Jong is in such high demand this summer – but perhaps this serves as a reminder to the Catalan giants just what they risk losing if the midfielder does indeed leave the club.
