Legendary AC Milan player Ruud Gullit has urged Barcelona and Netherlands star Frenkie de Jong to elevate his game before the 2024 European Championship. Gullit expressed that De Jong has not reached his full potential and shared insightful advice he received from the iconic Johan Cruyff to motivate him.
Frenkie de Jong Struggles to Meet Expectations After Barcelona Move
De Jong was recognized as the best midfielder in the Champions League after helping Ajax reach the semi-finals in the 2018-19 season. Barcelona secured the services of the Dutch midfielder in 2019 for a hefty fee of €86 million ($93.57 million). While he has displayed moments of brilliance in the past five years, he has yet to solidify his place among the elite midfielders in the world.
Due to his worldwide popularity and significant market value, De Jong has been linked with potential moves away from Barcelona. Reports suggest that Barcelona may consider selling the 27-year-old in the upcoming summer transfer window, provided they receive a substantial offer for the midfielder.
Ruud Gullit Urges De Jong to Step Up His Performance Ahead of EURO 2024
De Jong has faced criticism for falling short of expectations both at the club and national level in recent years. Gullit, who lifted the European Championship trophy with the Netherlands in 1988, believes that De Jong’s recent displays have been underwhelming. In an effort to inspire him, the former Chelsea player quoted Cruyff, encouraging De Jong to focus on elevating his teammates.
As part of the EURO 2024 discussion, Gullit conveyed to Ziggo Sport (via Forbes):
“I’ll say something to Frenkie. I started at Feyenoord as a right winger, but then Johan Cruyff told me: ‘Ruud, you have to improve your teammates.’ I never understood it. But do you know why he told me that? Because when you improve your teammates, you always play well.”
Gullit also criticized De Jong’s performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, describing the Barcelona midfielder’s play as lackluster.
He remarked:
“If you look at Frenkie de Jong at the last World Cup, he was like a ghost! He has to take matters into his own hands.”
De Jong has represented the Netherlands in 54 matches, scoring two goals and assisting six times. His disappointing showing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals saw Holland suffer a defeat to Argentina on penalties.
