Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong needed just 45 minutes to show his importance to the Netherlands, delivering an impressive individual performance in their 7-0 victory over Greece in the UEFA Nations League.
Captaining the Oranje in the absence of the injured Virgil van Dijk, De Jong dictated proceedings from midfield under head coach Xavi Hernandez.
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Although he was withdrawn at half-time with the Netherlands already leading 5-0, the statistics he produced showed the influence he had on the team’s performance.
As such, the 29-year-old completed 79 of his 80 passes, achieving an outstanding 99% accuracy across 84 touches.
He also created one chance, completed his only attempted dribble and registered seven passes into the final third.
His distribution was equally impressive over longer distances, completing all three of his attempted long passes.
De Jong’s contribution was not just related to his work in possession. The Barcelona midfielder won all three ground duels he contested and successfully completed his only attempted aerial duel.
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His ability to combine defensive involvement with progressive distribution was particularly valuable.
Rather than simply circulating possession, De Jong consistently helped the Netherlands move the ball into advanced areas and maintain control of the contest.
Despite his impressive performance, De Jong did not return after the interval. The decision was influenced by the comfortable scoreline and his recent return from injury.
Frenkie de Jong produced a masterclass display against Greece. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Explaining the substitution, the midfielder said, “Well, it was 5-0 at half-time. I’d only just come back from injury and everything, so it was fine as it was.
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“Yes. I mean, I’ve only just come back from an injury. It’s not as if I’ve got much match fitness yet,” he said.
As far as Barcelona are concerned, De Jong’s display will come as an important reminder of his ability that usually goes unnoticed, which is his strength to make possession productive without forcing unnecessary risks.
Interestingly, performances like these and also his decision not to play the second half will be appreciated by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who appears to have reestablished his trust in the Dutch midfielder.
