De Jong talks Rashford, fitness, Pedri, Dembele, Ballon d’Or after Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona | OneFootball

After missing the Valencia game due to an injury, Frenkie de Jong made his return to the starting eleven against Newcastle United as he replaced Marc Casado.

The Dutchman, who had picked up a minor knock during the international break, partnered with Pedri in a double-pivot.

The former Ajax star did not disappoint either, producing a solid shift in the middle of the park and helping his team retain control for most of the game.

What De Jong said after Barcelona win over Newcastle

Speaking to the media after the game, de Jong highlighted the performance of Marcus Rashford, the star of the game with two goals against the Magpies.

“I think Rashford felt at home here. He scored two absolutely brilliant goals, and we are happy for him,” he told ZiggoSport.

Talking about the Champions League and the intensity shown by Newcastle United fans, the Barcelona midfielder was rather impressed.

“I heard a lot from the players in the Dutch team who play in the English Premier League about the atmosphere in this stadium.

“The atmosphere was fantastic when we entered the pitch, truly wonderful. They are real football fans, engaging with the moments of the game, and there’s a lot of passion. It’s really enjoyable to see,” he said.

De Jong produced a strong shift in Barcelona midfield (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Talking about the overall game itself, de Jong admitted Newcastle United pressed well in tight spaces.

“We knew in advance that it would be a beautiful match, because they love high pressing, and we, of course, always want to play and attack, and they don’t bunch up either.

“So there were two different styles: they rely on strength and direct balls forward, while we play quickly too, but through passes and understanding. So I think it was a very enjoyable match to watch,” he said.

The Dutchman even talked about how difficult it was to wriggle through the dynamic Newcastle press.

“At some moments, yes, because they pressed well. But overall, I think we handled it well. If we had capitalised on some attacks better in the end and around the penalty area, we would have had more chances. But we won 2-1, and we are satisfied with that,” he added.

It must be noted that de Jong’s experience, coupled with his technical abilities, played a key role in helping Barcelona defeat the Newcastle press.

However, it came at the cost of Barcelona running the risk of the midfielder potentially aggravating his injury.

Talking about his fitness, de Jong said, “I felt a bit tired at the end, but I was absent for a few days and only trained with the team for two days, so it’s normal to feel that way. I managed to hold up well.”

De Jong laid out Barcelona’s ambitions in the Champions League and why it will be important to finish inside the top eight.

“I think this stage of the competition is exciting, you face different opponents, and it’s more dynamic, and anything can happen. We must ensure qualification among the top 8, and from there we look forward step by step,” he noted.

Later, in a chat with TNT Sports, De Jong was asked about the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony, wherein he was told that Lamine Yamal and Raphinha could secure a podium finish.

Intervening, the Dutchman reminded that his midfield partner Pedri, too, is in the running, saying: “Pedri is also there, right? He is there too.”

As for the eventual winner, the 28-year-old said: “I hope one of our players wins it.

“If it doesn’t happen and Ousmane [Dembele] wins, I’ll also be happy for him because he’s a former teammate of mine and I have a good relationship with him, and he also deserves it.”