FC Barcelona must get their act together, and they must do whatever it takes to do it fast. As their rivals continue to enjoy domestic and continental success, The Blaugranes remain riddled with their own issues. With Hansi Flick now appointed, Barcelona look hopeful but things must still be corrected.
One of the major concerns in recent times has been underperforming Barcelona players. From criticism to lack of output on the field, many of Barça’s biggest stars have been under the spotlight for underperforming. Some have received more criticism than others, and that includes Dutch star Frenkie De Jong.
However, this criticism has not just come from fans either. The latest example that can be added to this list is none other than Dutch icon Ruud Gullit, as brought forward by Mundo Deportivo, with the 61-year-old stating that Frenkie De Jong is not living up to his own standards, recounting his own playing experience as well to use a comparison:
“I’m going to say something about Frenkie. I started at Feyenoord playing as a right winger. Then Johan Cruyff told me: ‘Ruud, you have to improve the game of your teammates.'”
“I never understood him. But do you know why he told me that? Because when you improve the game of your teammates, you always play well! Does Frenkie do that? No, Frenkie does not do that. He plays badly. He is not up to the quality he has.”
Such harsh words could undoubtedly be hard-hitting for the 27-year-old, especially coming from an icon of the sport who helped the Netherlands win the 1988 European Championship, with De Jong himself hoping to participate in the upcoming edition of the tournament with his country.
However, from another standpoint, it could also potentially act as additional motivation. De Jong has high expectations of him because he is a player with the qualities to deliver on them, and now with Hansi Flick in charge, the midfielder may have another opportunity to prove himself in the upcoming season.