"Not ready to start", "His body language is off" - Fans unhappy with Barcelona star despite 5-2 win over Crvena zvezda
Some Barcelona fans were left unhappy with Frenkie de Jong's performance in their 5-2 win over Crvena zvezda in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday (November 6). The match marked the first time De Jong featured in the starting XI since returning from his ankle injury in October.
Barcelona led 2-1 at halftime, with Inigo Martinez (13') and Robert Lewandowski (43') on the scoresheet. Silas Katompa Mvumpa had scored the hosts' solitary goal (27').
La Blaugrana turned on the style in the second half, with Lewandowski scoring another (53') before Raphinha (55') and Fermin Lopez (76') sealed the win. Crvena zvezda's Milson scored a consolation goal in the 84th minute.
Despite the comfortable win, Culers took to X after the game to criticize Frenkie de Jong's performance. One user wrote:
"Honestly, what is going on with Frenkie de Jong?? His body language is off, he doesn’t seem too interested."
"Gavi moving like an actual footballer is so refreshing. De Jong really gotta pack his bags," another fan wrote.
"Even a not so fit Gavi is better than De Jong," a netizen opined.
"Man I'm so disappointed in De Jong. Seeing that Casado might take his place you'd think he'd show more of himself, But no. He looks so uninterested, so lazy, when he loses the ball he continues with his jogging. No personality as a Captain. Nothing. I hope we can get rid of him," a user observed.
Some of the other fan reactions were as follows:
"De Jong is not ready to start, when both Olmo and Fermin are fit, Pedri shouldn't have any business in that #10 role."
"FRENKIE DE JONG EARTH SHATTERING STINKER AND HOOKED," an X user added.
"For me de jong is not a starter anymore,he’s better as a sub he sabi change game when we need am,,,,,,but today he no play anything at all," another fan chimed in.
"Frenkie De Jong really need to step up his game to survive in the Barca system," another fan commented.
In 68 minutes on the pitch, Frenkie de Jong maintained a 98% passing accuracy. He lost possession thrice and won three out of six ground duels. However, he was unable to make any key passes or create any chances.
"Today he's shown why he's an excellent player" - Barcelona coach Hansi Flick heaps praise on defender Jules Kounde
In the post-match press conference, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick praised Jules Kounde for his exceptional performance in their 5-2 win over Crvena zvezda. He said (via Barca Times):
"Koundé is an amazing player and today he's shown why he's an excellent player."
Jules Kounde was one of the best players on the pitch for Barcelona, recording three assists in the game. He made one clearance, blocked one shot and maintained a 93% passing accuracy. He also made four key passes in the game.
Kounde's presence in the backline has been immensely helpful for Barcelona due to the Frenchman's penchant for going forward and helping in attack. His inch-perfect crosses into the penalty box from the right have broken down the opposition's defenses time and time again.
All figures are as per SofaScore and are subject to change.
