Frenkie de Jong Responds to Critics

Frenkie de Jong has hit back at critics, stating that many people don't understand football. The 29-year-old Barcelona midfielder believes his best work often goes unnoticed.

De Jong said: “I have the feeling that many people don’t understand anything about football. They watch it, but they don’t understand it, so to speak.”

He also mentioned that people say he doesn't give through passes, but that's not true. They're just not paying attention to the game.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, former Netherlands striker, thinks De Jong is a very good player, but might be a little bit behind Declan Rice. Hasselbaink said De Jong sometimes needs to move the ball a little quicker.

Hasselbaink, speaking on behalf of 10bet, added that De Jong holds onto the ball a little bit too long for his liking. But he's a top, top quality player who understands the game really, really well.

De Jong has spent the last seven years at Barcelona, making 297 appearances and collecting three La Liga titles. He has passed up opportunities to walk away from Catalunya, including several plays from Manchester United.

Hasselbaink thinks De Jong is an Ajax player at heart, and Ajax has always had a soft spot for Barcelona. So he was always going to choose Barcelona, and if you can make it at Barcelona, you're always going to want to stay there as long as possible.

De Jong's decision to stay at Barcelona might have been the best career call for him. He has been an important player for the Netherlands national team and will continue to be a key figure in the midfield.