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La Liga | Gameweek 10
Oct 20, 2022 at 8pm UK
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Villarreal logo

Barcelona
3 - 0
Villarreal

Lewandowski (31', 35'), Fati (38')
FT(HT: 3-0)

Torres (90+2')

Xavi hails Frenkie de Jong's performance against Villarreal

Xavi hails Frenkie de Jong's performance against Villarreal
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Xavi hails Frenkie de Jong for his performance in Thursday's 3-0 victory over Villarreal at Camp Nou.

Barcelona boss Xavi has lavished praise on Frenkie de Jong for his performance in Thursday's 3-0 victory over Villarreal at Camp Nou.

The 25-year-old made just his fifth La Liga start of the campaign against the Yellow Submarine, being preferred to Sergio Busquets in the midfield alongside Gavi and Pedri.

De Jong's future continues to be called into question, with Barcelona still thought to be keen to move him on next year due to his substantial wage packet.

Manchester United were heavily linked with the Netherlands international over the summer and are still believed to have an interest in bringing him to Old Trafford next year.

Xavi revealed his delight at the Dutchman's performance against Villarreal, claiming that he is "the best player in the team when it comes to breaking lines".

Barcelona manager Xavi pictured in September 2022© Reuters

"Frenkie was very good. He really enjoyed the game, he understood it very well and he played a very complete game. I'm happy for him," Xavi told reporters after the match.

"The first half today was very good. We understood that the 'free man' was the pivot, Frenkie. Frenkie is the best player in the team when it comes to breaking lines. Today, he understood that very well, also in defence... Frenkie was especially good today."

Xavi also said that De Jong's performance that convinced him that he deserves to be in the starting XI on a more consistent basis this season.

"Yes, of course, especially defensively, he knew what to do, he was in the right position with Pedri and Gavi. He knew when to press and when to defend," the manager added.

De Jong has scored once in 12 appearances for Barcelona this season, and he will be bidding to keep hold of his starting role for Sunday's clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in action in July 2022© Reuters

Xavi also reiterated the importance of remaining "calm" following the victory over Villarreal, with Barcelona navigating their way through a testing period of the campaign.

"Today with the messages on the phone it seems that I have won the lottery. Calm, now we are not the best team, I know that the expectations are high but we must work with humility," he added.

Barcelona suffered a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico last weekend, which handed the reigning champions the initiative in terms of the league table.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently three points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of the division, while they will have the chance to move six clear when they take on Sevilla on Saturday night.

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Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong celebrates scoring against Cadiz on September 10, 2022
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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