One such player is Frenkie de Jong, a Dutch professional footballer who has risen to become one of the most promising and talented midfielders in the world. His journey from a young prodigy at Ajax to becoming a star at Barcelona is nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we will delve into De Jong’s journey and explore his impact both on and off the pitch.
De Jong’s Journey: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona Star
Frenkie de Jong was born on 12 May 1997 in Arkel, a small village in the Netherlands. Like many kids growing up in Europe, De Jong was drawn to the beautiful game at an early age. He began playing football at the local club, ASV Arkel, before joining Willem II’s youth academy at the age of eight.
At Willem II, De Jong quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional technical ability, vision, and passing range. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he soon caught the eye of the legendary Dutch club, Ajax Amsterdam. At just 16 years old, De Jong made the switch to Ajax and joined their renowned youth academy, which has produced some of the biggest names in football such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Dennis Bergkamp.
De Jong’s Early Years at Ajax
De Jong’s debut season with Ajax was one filled with ups and downs. He made 15 appearances in all competitions but often found himself playing in different positions due to injuries in the squad. Despite this, he showed glimpses of his potential and proved to be a valuable asset to the team.
In the 2017-18 season, De Jong established himself as a regular starter for Ajax. He played in 26 league games and helped the team secure a second-place finish in the Eredivisie. But his true breakthrough came in the following season when he became a key figure in the team’s midfield, alongside fellow youngsters Donny van de Beek and Matthijs de Ligt.
From Ajax to Barcelona: A Dream Move
De Jong’s performances at Ajax did not go unnoticed by some of Europe’s biggest clubs. But it was FC Barcelona who won the race for his signature, announcing in January 2019 that they had signed him on a five-year deal for a fee of €75 million. The move would see him join the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Gerard Pique at the Catalan giants.
The transfer caused quite a stir in the football world, with many questioning whether De Jong was ready for such a big step in his career. But the young midfielder remained unfazed and continued to impress with his performances at Ajax until the end of the season.
Establishing Himself at Barcelona
Joining a club like Barcelona is no easy task, especially for a young player like De Jong. The pressure to perform and live up to expectations can be overwhelming, but De Jong took it in his stride. He quickly adapted to the team’s style of play and became an integral part of the midfield.
In his debut season with Barcelona, De Jong made 42 appearances in all competitions and helped the team win the La Liga title. His performances were praised by fans, teammates, and coaches, who hailed him as the future of Barcelona.
De Jong and the Netherlands: A Key Figure in the Oranje’s Revival
De Jong’s impact goes beyond just his club career. He has also established himself as a key figure in the Dutch national team, nicknamed the “Oranje.” After a disappointing few years that saw the Netherlands fail to qualify for major tournaments, De Jong has been part of the team’s resurgence under new manager Ronald Koeman.
His first international appearance came in the UEFA Nations League against Peru, where he put in a commanding performance in midfield. Since then, he has become a regular starter for the Oranje and played a crucial role in their qualification for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.
Playing Style and Position
De Jong is a versatile player who can operate in multiple positions in midfield. However, his preferred position is as a central midfielder, where he can dictate the tempo of the game and create chances for his teammates.
His playing style is often compared to that of former Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, known for his exceptional passing and vision. And it’s no surprise that De Jong cites Xavi as one of his idols and a player he looks up to. He is also known for his technical ability, close control, and dribbling skills, making him a difficult player to defend against.
Making History with the Oranje
De Jong’s performances for the Netherlands have not only earned him praise from fans and coaches but also helped the team achieve some impressive milestones. In the UEFA Nations League, he was part of the team that reached the finals for the first time in their history, ultimately losing to Portugal. And in the Euro 2020 qualification campaign, De Jong again played a crucial role as the Oranje secured their place in the tournament after missing out on the last two major competitions.
Conclusion
Frenkie de Jong’s journey from a young prodigy at Ajax to becoming a star at Barcelona is one that has captured the hearts of football fans around the world. His talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication have helped him become one of the most promising midfielders in the world.But it’s not just his on-pitch performances that make De Jong stand out. He is also a role model, inspiration, and a shining example of what it means to be a professional athlete both on and off the pitch
