Back in June 2022, Ronald Koeman gave an insight into how highly Lionel Messi rates Manchester City-linked midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
As relayed by Manchester Evening News, the Inter Miami superstar had a chat with the Dutchman, who Pep Guardiola personally dreams of signing at City, according to a report on Sunday.
Former Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman revealed that Lionel Messi lavished praise on to Frenkie de Jong, who has been linked with a transfer to Manchester City.
What Lionel Messi said about Manchester City-linked maestro Frenkie de Jong
The treble-winners are in desperate need of reinforcing their midfield, with Ilkay Gundogan having joined Xavi’s side and Bernardo Silva primed to leave the Etihad Stadium.
While Mateo Kovacic profiles much more like a replacement for the Portuguese attacker, the former Sky Blues captain’s boots still remain unfilled.
Frenkie de Jong may well the potential answer to an Ilkay Gundogan successor for Manchester City, as Ronald Koeman claimed that Lionel Messi is a huge admirer of his.
“When I arrived, I told Frenkie: ‘This is your second season, you have to make a step higher now, you need to do more than just play along’. This sounds cruel, but he got the message.
“I told him to take more responsibility, to arrive in the opponent’s box more.”
Ronald Koeman revealed that he also asked Lionel Messi to have a chat with Manchester City target Frenkie de Jong, saying, “During these conversations, I also involved Messi. Messi told Frenkie that he is a fantastic player. He becomes happy around a player like Frenkie, because he wants to have pure football players around him.”
“When we talk with the three of us, Messi shares his opinion towards Frenkie. He always tries to activate him, as Messi believes that Frenkie can reach a much higher level. He finds him a very intelligent player.”
Frenkie de Jong could unleash the best version of himself under Pep Guardiola
It seems like Pep Guardiola agrees with Lionel Messi, as he has been reported to suggest Frenkie de Jong as a potential incoming at Manchester City.
One reason why De Jong’s time at Barcelona has not been as much of a success as initially expected is due to his inconsistency and inability to lock down a position.
With Rodri’s place in the side being virtually unmovable, Guardiola could offer the ex-Ajax talisman a chance to become his side’s go-to No.8, either in a newfound three-man midfield or as an advanced midfielder.
In any case, the Catalan boss has a knack of getting the absolute best out of all of his talent in midfield and could do the same with Frenkie de Jong.
