Barcelona has faced significant challenges this season, particularly at the individual player level. No player has consistently performed well throughout the season, resulting in the Catalan team ending the season without any titles. This situation has drawn criticism, including from Ruud Gullit, a legendary figure in Dutch football, who has specifically targeted his young compatriot, Frenkie de Jong, a prominent player for Barcelona. Gullit’s critique was delivered just hours before the start of the European Nations Cup, a tournament in which Dutch fans hope their national team will excel.
In remarks reported by Football Spain, Gullit expressed his disappointment: “I will say something about De Jong. I began my career at Feyenoord playing on the right wing, and then Johan Cruyff advised me: ‘Ruud, you need to enhance the performance of your teammates.’”
Gullit elaborated on his point: “Initially, I did not understand him, but do you know why he told me that? Because when you help improve the playing style of your teammates, you ensure that you always play well.”
He continued, “Is Frenkie de Jong doing that? No, Frenkie is not doing that. He is underperforming and not playing up to his potential.”
Gullit further emphasized his perspective by saying, “If you observe Frenkie de Jong’s performance in the last World Cup, you would notice he was almost invisible. Frenkie needs to address this issue himself.”
Gullit concluded by suggesting that Hansi Flick should consider removing De Jong from the team, as he believes the player has not contributed positively since joining Barcelona. Gullit fears that De Jong’s presence could hinder the team’s progress under Flick’s leadership if the German coach aims to achieve success and win titles.
The Netherlands finds itself in a balanced group in the European Nations Cup, competing alongside France, Poland, and Austria.
