Xavi Defends Frenkie de Jong and Highlights Him as a Complete Player

Xavi Hernández backed Frenkie de Jong after the midfielder was used at right-back for Barcelona, insisting that those who undervalue him do not share the day-to-day with him

"Perhaps among the public, but not among his team-mates"

Ahead of the UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Germany, Xavi Hernández spoke about Frenkie de Jong. Asked whether the midfielder's quality is not truly appreciated, the Netherlands coach replied: "Perhaps among the public, but not among his team-mates. If you play with him every day, you end up truly appreciating him. He's a complete player."

"Everybody knows I'm a midfielder"

The conversation came after De Jong was played out of position at right-back during the second half of Barcelona's win over Atlético de Madrid on Sunday. On playing at right-back, De Jong said: "Everybody knows I'm a midfielder." Asked whether he feels undervalued, he added: "Everyone has their own opinion about it. There's no single truth. As a player, perhaps you're more likely to feel a bit underestimated."

"The easiest way to assess a player is to look at whether he scores or assists"

Speaking to ESPN, De Jong expanded: "People don't watch matches regularly. Few are those who follow the full 90 minutes. They don't really understand the game, and they don't realise what is happening on the pitch, or why decisions are made. The easiest way to assess a player is, of course, to look at whether he scores or assists. As for me, these numbers are much lower, of course."