Why Manchester City and Frenkie de Jong are a match made in heaven

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 09:52 19/11/2018
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  • Frenkie De Jong

    Netherlands and Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s performance against France in their Nations League clash last week was one of the most complete display from a youngster at that level.

    Shuttling between attack and defence, pulling strings from deep and lunging into tackles; de Jong did it all.

    Didier Deschamps was clearly aware of his abilities and hence used Kylian Mbappe on the left so that the more defensive Antoine Griezmann could partner N’Golo Kante and patrol the area from where the Dutchman operates.

    By doing so, he sacrificed an offensive advantage France could have enjoyed if Mbappe had played on the same side as the shaky Daley Blind.

    Frenkie de Jong is being chased by Europe's biggest teams.

    Frenkie de Jong is being chased by Europe’s biggest teams.

    In spite of this, the 22-year-old finished the game as the best player on the pitch. Naturally, his talents are no longer a secret in Europe and giants Barcelona and Manchester City are already trying to secure his signature.

    And the Dutchman would do well at either club, given how his style suits a possession based system. But de Jong and City are a match made in heaven and the symbiotic relationship between the two parties can guarantee long term success for both.

    We take a look at how both sides would benefit from a move.

    Exit Fernandhino, enter Frenkie

    Some of de Jong’s exceptional traits include press resistance, positional awareness, dribbling and the ability to create space for his team-mates. These qualities should enable the youngster to fit into Manchester City’s midfield like a missing piece in the most unique puzzle.

    Fernandhino has been a trusted on-pitch lieutenant for Pep Guardiola but at the end of this season will be turning 34. Age is not on his side and the No6 slot is a position not particularly well stocked for the Catalan boss.

    It’s frightening to think what a midfield of de Jong, David/Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne could produce. With creativity filled up to the brim, this setup could also relieve the Belgian of the deeper creative burden and allow him a freer role higher up the pitch.

    Cesc Fabregas (L), Fernandinho

    Fernandinho

    Last season, the 22-year-old played as a centre-back – or rather, a false centre-back for Ajax. He can drop deep to the backline when the centre-backs push wide to cover the space left by the full-backs when they join the attack.

    Never shy to play risky vertical passes, de Jong is capable of releasing the wingers into space in quick transitions. Simply put, the youngster offers everything Fernandhino does and much more.

    Pep’s protegee

    It’s clear how City can benefit from the young midfield maestro but it’s also true that the club t would be the perfect choice for the player.

    Having nurtured the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and many more, Guardiola can pride himself of bringing the best out of technically gifted players.

    There is no better manager and no better system which can extract more from the Dutchman’s skill-set than Pep’s Manchester City.

    Pep Guardiola

    Pep Guardiola

    Barcelona would be another logical option for the youngster but since Sergio Busquets still has a minimum of three more years of top flight football left in him, de Jong will have to make do with a fringe player’s role for a good season or two. Contrast that to City where he can make an immediate impact.

    The versatile defensive midfielder will be entering a stable team with an established identity and is more probable to settle in immediately.

    City are in pole position to rope him in but the Catalans are closing in rapidly. This really is a game of who blinks first and the former must act fast to avoid further competition.

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