Frenkie de Jong issues fitness update, weighs in on Lamine – Messi comparisons | OneFootball

After missing the game against Atletico Madrid this past weekend, FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is all set to step onto the pitch for his national team when the Netherlands take on Spain on Thursday.

The 27-year-old midfielder missed the La Liga clash against Atleti due to a stomach bug, but has since recovered and trained normally with the Netherlands squad on Tuesday.

Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals against Spain at Rotterdam on Thursday night, the Dutchman addressed the media, providing an update on his fitness, while praising young Lamine Yamal.

De Jong fully fit

Speaking at a press conference, De Jong confirmed that he has fully recovered from the stomach issues that sidelined him for the recent league match against Atletico Madrid.

“‘I feel good again now, I am fit. I don’t know if it was the food. It could have been, it was short and I vomited a lot, but I was okay again the day after. So I don’t have proof,” De Jong stated.

On whether he feels ready to play the full 90 minutes against Spain, the midfielder said: “We will see tomorrow, but as far as I am concerned I can play ninety minutes.”

De Jong also assured that his ankle problems, which led to him missing the start of the season, are now a thing of the past.

“I feel perfectly fine and no longer think about it while playing,” he said, reflecting on what had been a challenging period.

“It took a long time to heal, and not knowing how much time it would take created some doubt. At times, it was quite difficult to deal with. But now everything is fine. My ankle no longer bothers me, and I am not worried about it. I am at 100%,” he added.

Praise for Lamine Yamal

De Jong also had kind words for Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, who will face tomorrow in the Nations League fixture.

“He is very good. I see him as a natural talent and a top-level player. I wished him a good match. Defending against Yamal is not a one-man job, we have to do it as a team. We have very good defenders, and any player can be stopped,” he said.

Frenkie hailed Lamine as an exceptional player. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

When asked about the comparisons between Lamine and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, De Jong insisted that while the youngster is an exceptional talent, there can only be one Messi.

“I think he shouldn’t be compared to Messi. Because any player compared to Messi will look inferior. I don’t think we will ever see another player like Messi, or at least I don’t see it happening anytime soon,” said De Jong.

Continuing, he added: “So, I don’t think we should compare him to Messi, but what he is doing at this age is exceptional and very rare. He is a natural talent.

“The way he understands the game, the decisions he makes at this age, are really impressive. I think this skill is completely innate, and fortunately, he has it.”

Special match vs Spain

The match against Spain will see De Jong face several of his Barcelona teammates, making it an unusual but exciting encounter for him.

“It is a special match because I will be playing against many of my club teammates. Besides that, Spain is an extraordinary team, and I am looking forward to facing them. We have joked about it in the dressing room – it will be a great game,” he said.

De Jong acknowledged that the Netherlands have struggled to compete against top-tier national teams in recent times but remains ambitious.

“Hopefully, we can show that we can beat Spain. We have had a lot of changes, partly due to injuries, but we want to prove ourselves. I have spoken with the coach about Spain, but Ronald [Koeman] already knows Spanish football very well,” he said.

Source: Youtube/OnsOranje