The conclusion of the Joan Gamper clash between FC Barcelona and English Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur saw the Catalans emerge as 4-2 victors in an enthralling game that went right down to the wire with the winning goals coming in stoppage time.
Many players provided outstanding displays to showcase their talents and importance to this new-look Barcelona side under Xavi Hernandez, but a particular Dutch midfielder truly stole the show in terms of consistency and control over the pitch.
Frenkie De Jong walked away with the MVP award of the game and for good reason. His brilliance showcased itself from start to finish in terms of ball progression as well as his overall control over the game to keep Barcelona stable at times.
Following the game, as highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the midfielder was questioned regarding various aspects of the game, the first one being his impression of the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium that will serve as the home ground for the Catalans in this season, to which he replied with positive remarks, stating:
“This stadium has left me with good impressions. The fans should support us, but it’s up to us to make it special.”
The Barcelona player was then also questioned regarding the youngsters of the team and what qualities they bring to the side, to which he replied:
“We have to keep improving, in the second half we were better with the entry of the young players. They have a lot of talent, there are many very good players in La Masia.”
His partnership with new arrival Oriol Romeu has also produced some spectacular results over the course of the pre-season, and when the Dutch midfielder commented on his new Barcelona midfield partner, he spoke highly of their understanding with one another:
“Yes, I’m very comfortable with him, also with the rest of the team and the dressing room. We understand each other very well.”
The new fourth captain for FC Barcelona was then also left with the concluding question regarding their European objectives for this season, to which the midfielder provided insight suggesting Barcelona are hungrier than ever to prove their mettle, stating:
“We have to fight for everything. We are capable of competing, as we showed in La Liga last season. Now we need to improve in Europe, considering what has happened to us in previous years.”