Frenkie De Jong’s highlights against Real Madrid are further proof that the player is destined to put more masterclass performances at Bernabeu.
Real Madrid looked a mere shadow of their glorious past as they took the field against Ajax in the round-of-16 of the Champions League.
The young blood of Ajax ran through, and thoroughly destroyed the long-standing walls of Bernabeu as the Dutch side registered a humbling 4-1 victory.
This was the first time when Real Madrid conceded four goals at their home ground in over four years. The Los Blancos, who won the last three editions of the Champions League, were finally stopped by an almost unassumed opposition.
Dusan Tadic was brilliant for Ajax, as was Daley Blind and David Neres. However, Frenkie De Jong worked like an engine in the midfield and the fans on the internet didn’t fail to notice his extraordinary performance.
The Dutch youngster also provided a trailer to how lethal he could be when he visits the Santiago Bernabeu in a Barcelona jersey next time.
In the first half, De Jong humbled Vinicius Jr. and Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric with a clever piece of skill. But there were loads of moments – important clearances, accurate passes and brilliant dribbling, which set De Jong apart.
And so, it was only just that a fan compiled the highlights of De Jong’s performance against Real Madrid.
Frenkie De Jong’s performance vs Real Madrid
🎥 | Frenkie de Jong highlights vs. Real Madrid, 05/03/2019.
People forget how good Frenkie de Jong’s defensive skills are! He was all over the place in that game. A midfielder that every club would love to have. Barca are lucky to have bought this man for only 75M! pic.twitter.com/QbusA1xPmo
— Teto (@FrenkieStats) March 6, 2019
Frenkie De Jong signed for Barcelona in the winter transfer window and will join the club at the beginning of the 2019/20 season. The midfielder was on Real Madrid’s radar as well, but the Dutch youngster was inclined towards playing for the Catalan side.
Ahead of the game, De Jong even admitted that he was told to beat Real Madrid by Barcelona.
“When I signed Barça asked me to knock out Real Madrid,” De Jong said.
“I saw the Clasico on Saturday at home, but not to analyse Madrid, just as a supporter on the sofa.
“If we knock out Real Madrid we will surprise everyone in the football world and we will put Ajax’s name on the map.
“We have to play offensively, press and play good football. If everyone’s involved, we have enough quality to surprise people.”
Ajax sure did surprise everyone, and Frenkie De Jong raised his stature as a world beater with his incredible performance.
Real Madrid in crisis?
The loss to Ajax was Real Madrid’s third consecutive home defeat inside a week. The Los Blancos lost both of their El Clasico games last week.
While Barcelona defeated the side 3-0 in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey, a goal from Ivan Rakitic was enough to seal the three points for the visitors.
The hopes for a silverware are largely over for Real Madrid with the loss in the Champions League. The side is currently 3rd in the La Liga, but remains a massive 12 points behind Barcelona.
Their city rivals, Atletico Madrid stand second, five points ahead.
Santiago Solari’s job is justifiably under massive speculation and there have been reports over Real Madrid shortlisting three names for the managerial role.
Ramon Calderon, the former Real Madrid president said earlier today that the club has contacted Jose Mourinho for the position as well. The Portuguese manager had been the boss at the club for three years between 2010 and 2013, and guided them to a league title in his tenure.
However, a fall-out with the dressing room resulted in Real Madrid parting ways with Mourinho.
How Twitter reacted:
Frenkie de Jong’s game by numbers vs. Real Madrid:
100% tackles won
100% aerials won
91% passing accuracy
75 touches
6 ball recoveries
3 clearances
2 take-ons completed
1 interception
1 shot blocked
1 foul wonAlready got that winning feeling at the Bernabéu. 😏 pic.twitter.com/100ueoXbmU
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 5, 2019
Frenkie de Jong: “That VAR moment took so bloody long, at one point I actually thought they were going all the way back for a foul that got made in the first half (laughs).” [voetbalprimeur] pic.twitter.com/O9J7SUPDpT
— AFC Ajax 💫 (@TheEuropeanLad) March 6, 2019
In case you’re still wondering what’s all this fuss about Frenkie De Jong.
– Strength in duels
– Technical abilities to get out of tight spaces
– quality ball carrier in fast transitions
– good balance & pressure resistance
– lucidity to pick out best option after 40 yard run pic.twitter.com/u5STyxhbV8— Half-space (@SpaceHalf) March 6, 2019
Incredible picture.
Frenkie de Jong leaves Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric in his wake and the latter’s facial expression says it all. pic.twitter.com/wYc5pVByiT
— KURTWEETY (@KurtLaduma) March 6, 2019
What next?
Real Madrid will return to action in the La Liga as they face a trip to Real Valladolid on Sunday night.