Back in 2020, Xavi Hernandez was especially complimentary about Frenkie de Jong, who has been linked with a transfer to Manchester City.
Speaking to SPORT, the now-Barcelona boss gave his thoughts on the Dutch international, who Pep Guardiola aims to see in a Sky Blues shirt next season, as per a report on Sunday.
Xavi Hernandez, who is one of the best midfielders of all time lavished praise on to Frenkie de Jong, which should excite Manchester City fans.
Xavi once raved about Manchester City-linked midfielder Frenkie de Jong
It seems like the treble-winners may need more than Mateo Kovacic to bolster their midfield department, as Bernardo Silva could also be on the move.
While Kovacic is perfect in a deeper position, City lack a player like Gundogan, who is particularly threatening in an advanced role.
Frenkie de Jong could well be the ideal solution for Manchester City, who Xavi hailed during his time at Al-Sadd.
“The day that Frenkie de Jong signed for Barcelona, I was very happy. I wished him luck on Instagram and he replied to me. He’s a player who could mark an era at Barça and one of the best of the great generation that Holland have for the World Cup, he’s still young.”
Xavi described what makes Manchester City-linked midfielder Frenkie de Jong such a special player, saying, “He’s an extraordinary footballer. A midfielder that is not afraid to receive the ball in difficult areas, I’ll repeat it, he’s a very good player.”
Frenkie de Jong would fit like a glove at the Etihad Stadium
Xavi is certainly right about the 26-year-old being a one-of-a-kind player and it would also be safe to say that he is the type of footballer that was born to play for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side.
Technically, the former Ajax hero is one of the best in the world, while his passing, ball-carrying ability and ability to control games is world-class.
In terms of adapting to City’s style, De Jong, who has always played in and thrived at clubs influenced by Johan Cruyff would not break a sweat at the Etihad Stadium for that very reason.
