Barcelona boss Xavi has lavished praise on the recent performances of Frenkie de Jong, claiming that the midfielder is in the best form since his arrival as head coach.
The 25-year-old struggled to secure regular starts in the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign, as he was heavily linked with a move away from Camp Nou during the summer transfer window.
However, the Netherlands international has taken on an important role in recent months, and he has been a regular this season, featuring on 25 occasions, contributing two goals and one assist in the process.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Villarreal, Xavi claimed that the midfielder is in his best form since the 43-year-old took charge in November 2021.
"We're seeing the best Frenkie since me and my staff arrived here at Barcelona," he told reporters. "De Jong is doing great in both attack and defence, he has brutal confidence and we're happy with him."
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There has again been speculation surrounding De Jong's future in recent weeks, with Manchester United still thought to have an interest in the midfielder, having spent much of last summer pursuing him.
Barcelona will be under pressure to make a major sale in the upcoming market, meanwhile, with the Catalan outfit still struggling with financial problems.
However, Xavi appears to have suggested that the Dutchman will not be leaving the club due to his importance.
Various reports claimed that De Jong was placed on the transfer list last summer, with Barcelona desperately looking to ease their financial issues with a big-money sale.
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However, the club's president Joan Laporta recently insisted that he "never wanted" to sell the midfielder.
"I have never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong because he is one of the mainstays we have, he is one of the great talents, young and called to be like he is already one of the team leaders," Laporta told BarcaTV.
Meanwhile, De Jong also recently said on 'FC Barcelona: A New Era' that he wants to stay at Camp Nou "for a long time".
"I see myself playing here for a long time. I don't care for rumours about whether I'm going to another club or staying here. We haven't spoken about it and no one from the club has told me anything. I don't think it will happen," said the midfielder.
De Jong made the move to Barcelona from Ajax in July 2019, and he has represented the Catalan outfit on 165 occasions in all competitions, contributing 15 goals and 19 assists in the process.
Matt Law
